Descendants of John Weld
First Generation
1. John Weld [150622] .
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Great Henny, Essex.
John married someone.
+ 2 M i. John Weld [150567] was born in 1535.
+ 3 M ii. Daniel Weld [150614] .
+ 4 M iii. Sir Roger Weld [19787] died in 1606.
Second Generation (Children)
2. John Weld [150567] (John1) was born in 1535.
General Notes: There was a good estate here [Bracon Ash] purchased by John Weld in 1618, and much added to it in 1620, by Mat Weld. All this family are interred in the south aisle. Alderman Edward Weld, who died in 1746, and is buried at Cawston in Norfolk, was of this family.
KIRKEHALL MOYNES And GURNEY'S in Rocklands, were distinct manors at first, though they have been long united; in 1589, John Welde of London was lord; in 1590, Humphry Welde, Gent, executor of the said John, kept his first court; and in 1601, John Weld of London, Esq. was lord and patron.
Bacon's Manor, Loddon - Tho. Garneys died lord of a moiety in the 9th of Elizabeth [1567], leaving Elizabeth his daughter and heir, aged 11 years; she married Philip Strettey, Esq. of Nottinghamshire, and by their deed, dated November 2, ao. 27 of Elizabeth [1587], sold it to John Weld of London, haberdasher; and Sir Thomas Gresham conveyed the other moiety, which he bought of Thomas Glemham, Esq. January 14, ao. 5 of Elizabeth [1563], to the said John Weld, on April 22, ao. 23rd Elizabeth [1581], so that Weld was lord of the whole manor.
John Weld, Esq. in the 18th of Elizabeth [1576?], sold it to Elizabeth, late wife of Richard Berney, Esq. who leased it to Anthony Hobart of Hales Hall, Esq. for 60 years at 60/. per ann.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
John married Lucy Aldrich [150644] [MRIN: 58812], daughter of Gregory Aldrich [150645] and Alice Hales [150646], on 19 Feb 1559 in St Clement, Norwich. Lucy was baptised on 15 Oct 1540 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 5 M i. Daniel Weld [19788] .
+ 6 M ii. Rev John Weld [150615] was baptised on 25 Apr 1561 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich, died in 1636 aged 75, and was buried on 15 Jan 1636 in Caister, Norfolk.
+ 7 M iii. Thomas Weld [150608] was baptised on 6 Jun 1563 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich, died in 1642 aged 79, and was buried on 26 Jun 1642 in Wymondham, Norfolk.
+ 8 M iv. Richard Weld [150641] was baptised on 13 May 1565 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
+ 9 M v. Matthew Weld [150568] was born in 1567, was baptised on 18 Jun 1567 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich, died on 6 Jan 1650 aged 83, and was buried on 10 Jan 1650 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
+ 10 F vi. Anne Weld [150638] was baptised on 1 May 1569 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
+ 11 M vii. Christopher Weld [150640] was baptised on 27 Sep 1570 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
+ 12 F viii. Mary Weld [150637] was baptised on 29 Jun 1572 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
+ 13 F ix. Martha Weld [150639] was baptised on 1 Aug 1573 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
+ 14 M x. Timothy Weld [150636] was baptised on 7 Sep 1577 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
+ 15 F xi. Lucy Weld [19815] was baptised on 14 Nov 1581 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
3. Daniel Weld [150614] (John1).
4. Sir Roger Weld [19787] (John1) died in 1606.
General Notes: More prominent in terms of their standing in Norwich affairs were various members of the Weld family. Although yet to be elected as a common councillor when signing the petition [calling for further religious reform], the most upwardly mobile was Roger Weld, who rose to become sheriff in 1585 and mayor in 1599. The Welds were cousins of the Aldriches. In turn, Roger Weld and his brother John - who also subscribed to the supplication with their father, John senior - became members of the Norwich Merchant Adventurers' Company, Roger Weld's will being witnessed by another company man - and ardent Protestant - Alderman Thomas Layer. We have no evidence to suggest that the Welds were nascent separatists. However, in the 1580s they clearly identified themselves with a core of outspoken religious opinion in the city.
Third Generation (Grandchildren)
5. Daniel Weld [19788] (John2, John1).
Daniel married Philippa Fisher [19789] [MRIN: 3133] in 1584.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 16 M i. Daniel Weld [19792] was baptised in 1585 in St Andrew, Norwich and died before 1602.
+ 17 F ii. Mary Weld [19793] was baptised in 1588 in St Andrew, Norwich.
+ 18 M iii. Samuel Weld [19790] was baptised in 1591 in St Martin at Palace, Norwich.
+ 19 M iv. Daniel Weld [19794] was baptised in 1602 in St Andrew, Norwich.
6. Rev John Weld [150615] (John2, John1) was baptised on 25 Apr 1561 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich, died in 1636 aged 75, and was buried on 15 Jan 1636 in Caister, Norfolk.
Noted events in his life were:
• Occupation/Address: Vicar, 0036-1602, Caister, Norfolk.
John married Anne Toft [19795] [MRIN: 58842] on 16 Mar 1603 in Caister, Norfolk.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 20 M i. John Weld [19796] was born on 30 Dec 1603 and was baptised on 6 Jan 1604 in Caister, Norfolk.
+ 21 F ii. Anne Weld [19797] was baptised in 1606.
+ 22 F iii. Mary Weld [19798] was baptised in 1608.
+ 23 M iv. Thomas Weld [19799] was baptised in 1610 in Caister, Norfolk.
+ 24 M v. Daniel Weld [19800] was baptised in 1612 in Caister, Norfolk.
+ 25 F vi. Martha Weld [19801] was baptised in 1613.
+ 26 F vii. Lucy Weld [19802] was baptised in 1615.
7. Thomas Weld [150608] (John2, John1) was baptised on 6 Jun 1563 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich, died in 1642 aged 79, and was buried on 26 Jun 1642 in Wymondham, Norfolk.
General Notes: 11 Jan, 12th Chas. I, 1637
Wymondham. \emdash Bargain and sale by Thomas Howes of Wramplingham, yeoman, son and heir of Thomas Howes of North Tuddenham, deceased, to Thomas Weld of Wymondham, gentleman, of the reversion of thirteen acres and one rood of land, &c.; and other lands, tenements, &c., in Wymondham.
The manor [of Bernham-Broom in Foreham] was held of Castle-Acre castle, and came to the Mortimers, and passed with their manor of Atleburgh, as you may see in vol. i. p. 506, till Sir Rob. Mortimer of Atleburgh gave it to his second son, Const. Mortimer, as you may see in vol. i. p. 509, and it came after to Margery, daughter and coheir of Sir Tho. Mortimer, eldest brother to Constantine, who carried it to Sir John Fitz-Ralf, her husband, after the death of Anne, daughter and heiress of Sir Robert Herling, who had her life in it, and her husbands were lords in her right, and so it parted from Atleburgh, and passed in the Fitz-Ralfs with Little-Elingham, as you may see at p. 288, till Elizabeth, one of the coheirs of that family, married to Sir Rob. Chamberlain of Gedding in Suffolk, and then it went in that family with Elingham aforesaid till that went to Sir Edward Chamberlain's third son, Leonard, and this to his second son, George Chamberlain of Bernham-Broom, who was lord in 1560; Edward, his son, in 1567, and Edward, his grandson, in 1612, who married Anne, daughter of Henry Lamb of Tostock in Suffolk, who left it to his son Edward, first married to Mary, daughter of Tho. Weld of Wimondham, and after to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Clifton of Toftres, who was succeeded by Edward Chamberlain, his son, of Lincoln's-Inn, who married a Sidley, and was 22 years old in 1651. He left Edward Chamberlain of Yarmouth, who had a place in the custom-house there, but was never lord here, the estate being sold by his father to Sir Tho. Woodhouse of Kimberley, and Sir John Woodhouse, Bart. is now lord and patron.
Thomas married Judith Cotton [19803] [MRIN: 58829].
The child from this marriage was:
+ 27 M i. Thomas Weld [19804] was born circa 1598 and died in 1664 aged 66.
8. Richard Weld [150641] (John2, John1) was baptised on 13 May 1565 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
9. Matthew Weld [150568] (John2, John1) was born in 1567, was baptised on 18 Jun 1567 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich, died on 6 Jan 1650 aged 83, and was buried on 10 Jan 1650 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
General Notes: M. S. Depositum Matthæi Weld Generosi, qui plenus Annorum obit 6th. Jan. Ano Xti 1650, cum vixisset annos 83, Mens. 6, Septiman. un: Gascoignus Weld, Filius unicus bene merenti gemens posuit.
6 April, Jas. I, 1605.
Newton Flotman, &c. - Bargain and sale by Thomas Richardson, Esq, of Norwich, to Matthew Welde of Acle, gentleman, of two inclosures of land containing together
four acres and a half in Newton Flotman and Mulbertone.
26 July, 19th Jas. I., 1621.
Tasburgh, &c. \emdash Bargain and sale by Sir Robert Gawdye of Claxton, Knt., and George Gawdy, Esq, of Norwich, to Matthewe Welde of Brakenashe, gentleman, and Matthewe Weld, his son and heir-apparent, of the manor or lordship of Tasburghe alias Taysburghe, with the liberties, land, tenements, &c.; parcels of the said manor in Tasburgh, Fritton, Hempnall, Stratton alias Stretton, Shelton, and Morneng Thorpe.
Norton in turn sold it {Histon] in 1631 to Matthew Weld, and before 1635 it was united with the other manor in Histon, held by William Bowyer, though Bowyer did not hold courts for it in his own name until 1638.
20 Dec, 8th Chas. I., 1632.
Attleburgh. \emdash Grant by Rowland Rowse, son and heir of Robert Rowse, late of Kirbie, now of Atleborough, husbandman, to Matthew Weld of Brakenashe, gentleman, of a messuage builded, and five pieces of land in Atleborough.
Research Notes: In the name of God Amen. I, Mathew Weld, of Braconash in the county of Norfolk, Gentleman, being in good health of body and perfect memory, thanks be unto almighty God, this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord God one thousand and six hundred forty and nine considering the frailty and uncertainty of all flesh and the common and daily experience of man's mortality and how that in fear (?) of sickness through pain so and in consideration thereunto [illegible] necessary and convenient cannot be with judgement and consideration so provided for but that many doubts will or may arise that may intend not only to the great prejudice of the true intent and meaning of him who in his lifetime devises and devised his estate amongst his friends but many times and for the most part such contention and uncharitable quarrels removed and [illegible] thereby that seldom or never but create consumption of money expended in suits of law and [illegible] and they are or do become a [illegible] for [illegible] or true hatred from & as they were before I which respectably wish and entreat all my friends and children (my wife being departed out of this natural life) that hereby shall any way be interested or benefited by any love I bear them that especially they will respect me and my care (?) that I have thereto of and in all doubt that shall or may arise or grow by any devise in my will that every of them would be of so tractable inclination to embrace the peace and love one of another and my good intent and [illegible] and that rather they will and [illegible] to uphold than to be any hindrance [illegible] the other and so such person not interested to the question or matter of difference to end and determine the same and [illegible] my intent and meaning and may with reason be and go or be made of.
And now first and principally with a most cheerful heart I [illegible] up and give unto the almighty God, my maker and whose name be blessed forever, my soul and spirit which he, of his fatherly goodness, hath given me, nothing doubting but by a true and most wise faith in Christ Jesus and not for any merits or worthiness in myself who I confess to be a most vile and [illegible] sinner and as and for him [illegible] sake and love are [illegible] unto me by the shedding forth of his most precious blood for [illegible] will receive the same into his hand and place it in the [illegible] and company of his heavenly saints and children.
And concerning my body in that obedience (?) that I owe I do likewise most willingly and freely give it over, commending it to the earth from which it had, by the power of God's provision and [illegible] first issue and being and the same to be buried in the church or chancel of Braconash or in Tasburgh where my wife and eldest son, Mathew, are interred or elsewhere at the discretion of my executor or executors likewise assuring myself according to the article of my faith that at the great day of the general resurrection when all shall appear before the judgement seat of God and Christ I shall receive the same again by his almighty power whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself and that with no other but [illegible] voice those eyes I shall see and behold the most gracious face of my most merciful redeemer not in my weak body as it is now subject to mortality and corruption but in a body perfect, strong, incorruptible, immortal and in all points fit and united to my soul and like unto the glorious body of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
And as concerning my worldly and temporal blessings which God of his goodness hath blessed and enriched me withall amongst which this not the least manner my children and grandchildren who are, I make not any the least doubt, because God hath said and promised it if they depend upon and place their care and trust upon and diligently serve Him that He will not only become their patron and defender but a father to the fatherless and orphaned yet [illegible] it hath been his good pleasure to make no unworthy steward of a good portion of this worldly substance and houses, lands, goods, chattels, cattles and like transitory possessions part whereof by portion with my late wife, deceased, together with our endeavours but yet not for but by the only blessings of God the same such [illegible] therefore in the first place I do give unto my son, Gascoigne Wild, which is now my only son living that I had by her all my houses, lands and tenements both free and copyhold situate, lying and being in Braconash, Hempnall , Fordham or in any other town or towns those manors, advowsons as also those any lands and tenements free and copyhold lying in Mulbarton that I lately purchased of George Euston Clarke and also my manor and manors, lordship and lordships of Tasburgh which I purchased of Sir Robert Gaudie and George Gaudie [Gawdy], Esq., also all other my lands and tenements situate, lying and being in the town of Tasburgh aforesaid and with the marsh and meadow grounds I late purchased of Sir Robert [illegible] known or called by the name of Clarke Marsh or by what other name or names whatsoever the same are known or called by as all what is copyhold or freehold to the same belonging as also I give unto him, the said Gascoigne, my lands in Saxlingham and Tasburgh I bought of Mr Marmoll and my capital messuage or tenement with all the lands, tenements and appurtenances as well freehold and copyhold to the same belongings which I late purchased of Henry Elms, gent, and others situate, lying and being in [illegible] and the towns adjoining in the county of Suffolk to have and to hold all the aforesaid manors, messuages, lands, tenements and premises as well freehold and copyhold with all and every their rights, members and appurtenances unto my said son, Gascoigne Weld, and the heirs male of his body begotten or to be begotten.
And for default of such issue male lawfully begotten or to be begotten I do give and devise the same unto the right heirs of me the said Mathew Weld forever and who [illegible] in any like kind for the advancement and preferment of Mathew Weld, my eldest son who I had by Katherine [illegible] my first wife, in marriage with Barbara Wicksted daughter of John Wicksted in the town of Cambridge [illegible] I did assure unto him and her and to the heirs male of him, the said Mathew, on the body of the said Barbara begotten lands free and copyhold of good yearly value in Pulham Marie [St Mary] in present possession in the county of Norfolk and did likewise assure and convey other lands and tenements lying in Long Stratton in the said county of Norfolk of the full value of fifty pounds a year on and at the feasts from and immediately after my decease and by conveyance and indentures tripartite between me, the said Mathew Weld, on the one part and the said John Wicksted and others on the second part and the said Mathew Weld, my son, and the said Barbara Wicksted, afterwards wife to my said son, Mathew, on the third part appeareth wherein upon my son, Mathew Weld, and was most fitting and did not only release to me and my heirs such interest and estate wherein I formerly (which was unknown unto him) did make him joint purchaser with and of my manors of Tasburgh in Norfolk which are settled only in rents and royalties but of no [illegible] save of one rightful which said Mathew Weld, my son, now deceased and I still surviving ___ the [illegible]interest now only in myself and my heirs if no former release had been made but also he, the said Mathew Weld, [illegible] unto me a bond of two thousand pounds penalty not to claim afterwards any interest in the said manor nor in any other lands or tenements which I had all remaindings to maintain the residue of my charge as wife, children and family neither should he ever at any time after by my life or after my death claim or challenge any right or interest in any of the other lands, free or copyhold, which I then had or which I should afterwards purchase in my lifetime but that as well those I had then and those I should happen to purchase should go and continue unto my wife and children I now had or should have or that the same should [illegible] to such other son or sons to whom I should in and out of the same by any kind of conveyance or by my last will and testament or otherwise howsoever and that neither by any omission or surrender to [illegible] of my last will or otherwise he or any of his heirs should or might be entitled to any part of my copyhold lands or to a third part of what may be found to be holden either in capital or in rights survivor of the [illegible] to or of any [illegible] but that if any such [illegible] should happen which I know of none but that I pay respite of homage for the manor of Tasburgh only which yet [illegible] on and other the clerks of the court of the exchequer did say that the said manor of Tasburgh is holden in capital in soccage which draws no wardship but respite of homage only [illegible] such omission of surrender should be whereby all or any part of my copyhold lands ought [illegible] the laws of this realm to come or descend to my said son, Mathew, or any of his issue or issues, my grandchildren but upon a reasonable request to him, his heirs or assigns to whom I have by this my last will and testament to him, them or any of them, their heirs or assigns given or bequeathed any lands or tenements in my said last will and testament expressed and mentioned at the to as and charged in the law notwithstanding by him, her or them that shall or may or ought to take benefit thereby shall refuse, release, quit claim and convey, surrender and do any or act or acts whatsoever and by his, her, their or any of their personal claims all shall advise or be advised for the [illegible] and confirms my such intent and purpose to for him, them or any of them of inheritance or otherwise of such lands and tenements as I have devised unto them or any of them according to my true intent and meaning which copyhold lands I am [illegible] part I have besides my gift or them likewise surrendered to the use or uses in my said last will and testament expressed.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my grandchild, Wickstead Weld, and to his heirs male of his body lawfully begotten all those my messuages, lands and tenements both free and copyhold situate and being in the town of Wacton in Norfolk by reason they are near unto the lands and tenements which I have already conveyed unto him in Long Stratton upon condition nevertheless that he, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid to one Mr Gouche (if he said true) an apothecary of Norwich the [illegible] about or near six pounds which was for physick his father had in the time of his illness which of he died to be paid within half a year after he shall come into his lands and shall likewise pay unto his two brothers, Martin Weld and John Weld to either of them fifty pounds apiece in form following that is to say at the feast of St Michael the Archangel within one year after his entry then to pay unto his brother, Martin Weld, five and twenty pounds, part of his fifty pounds, and at the next feast of St Michael the Archangel following five and twenty pounds more in full payment of the said fifty pounds and at the two feast days feast of St Michael the Archangel then next and immediately following that Martin shall be paid, to pay unto his other brother, John Weld, five and twenty pounds apaying until the said John Weld be fully paid his legacy of fifty pounds of which several legacies of fifty pounds apiece unto his two brethren if the said Wickstead should fail of payment in such manner as I have appointed in that case my will and meaning is that either of my said grandchildren, Martin Weld or John Weld, shall enter into all the said messuages and lands in Wacton and shall hold and enjoy them to them and their assigns until they and either of them be paid and satisfied their whole sum or sums of fifty pounds apiece for either with all such damages and charges as they or either of them have sustained by not having their several monies as I have given and bequeathed unto them and my meaning and intent is that if either of them do die or depart this life before the said sum or sums shall grow due or payable unto them or either of them that then the survivor of them shall have part or portion of him that shall die or depart this life before it shall have become due or payable; and my meaning is also that if my grandchild, Wickstead Weld, shall happen to die or depart this life without issue male then the said lands and tenements in Wacton with their appurtenances shall descend and go to my son, Gascoigne Weld, and his heirs forever.
Item: I do give unto my grandchild, Wickstead Weld, also so in Long Stratton and outlying two acres which I bought of one Dawfrie to have to him and his heirs male as aforesaid and not otherwise.
Item: I do give and bequeath unto Mathew Weld, my grandchild, son of my said son, Mathew Weld, all those messuages and tenements and my freehold and copyhold lands lying and being in the town of Gissing in Norfolk to him and his heirs male of the body of my said grandchild, Mathew Weld, upon condition nevertheless that he, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid unto his two brethren, Martin Weld and John Weld, my grandchildren, to either of them the sum of fifty pounds apiece in form following that is to say at the feast of St Michael the Archangel within one year after his entry but my will and meaning is he shall have no interest in those lands and tenements nor in any hereafter by this my will bequeathed unto him until the Michaelmas after he shall accomplish his age of one and twenty years but that my executor shall take the profit of the lands towards the maintenance of my said grandchild and the performance of the legacies in this my will expressed in the [illegible] so as for to pay my grandchild, Martin Weld, five and twenty pounds, part of his fifty pounds, and at the Michaelmas following such to pay unto my grandchild, John Weld, his brother, twenty five pounds in like manner and at the next Michaelmas after to pay to the said, Martin Weld, another five and twenty pounds in full payment of fifty pounds and at Michaelmas after that to pay unto his brother, John Weld, another five and twenty pounds in full payment of his fifty pounds; if the said Mathew Weld fails of payment unto them in such manner as I have appointed then in that case my will and meaning is that either of my said grandchildren, Martin Weld or John Weld, shall enter into all the said messuages and lands in Wacton and shall hold and enjoy them to them and their assigns until they and either of them be paid and satisfied their whole sum or sums of fifty pounds apiece for either with all such damages and charges as they or either of them have sustained by not having their several monies as I have given and bequeathed unto them; and my meaning and intent is that if either of them do die or depart this life before the said sum or sums shall grow due or payable my meaning is [illegible] shall be paid to my grandchild, Mathew Weld, but it is also my but if my grandchild, Mathew Weld, shall happen to die or depart this life without issue male then the said lands and tenements in Gissing with their appurtenances shall descend and go to my son, Gascoigne Weld, and his heirs forever and for default of such issue the brothers of him, the said Mathew, in seniority one after the other which shall survive shall have and enjoy all the said messuages and lands of them and their heirs male of their bodies lawfully begotten and for such default of issue male the same to remain and be to Mathew Brewster, my grandchild, the son of William Brewster and Anne, his wife, my daughter, and to his heirs male forever and for default of such issue male the same to be to the right heirs of the said Mathew Weld forever.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my son, Gascoigne Weld, and his heirs my lands and tenements in Saxlingham in Norfolk which I bought of Jonas Irbells viz: Tavith atte Haye and a [illegible] thereto belonging and one also there [illegible] and a through road and half an acre and I think a five rood acre there near, all in the lands and tenements heretofore or hereafter to be given by this my last will and testament to my grandchild, Wickstead Weld, son of my son, Mathew Weld, and Barbara his wife, shall be but upon condition that is to say that if the heir or heirs of my said son, Mathew Weld, or any of them or the guardian or guardians to any of the heir or heirs of my said son, Mathew Weld, shall not faithfully and honestly do and perform all things in this my will contained or hereunto be mentioned and declared according to my true intent and meaning [illegible] unto my son, Gascoigne Weld, and to his heirs and assigns or to such other person or persons or his or their or any of their heir or heirs or assigns which by this my last will and testament heretofore or hereafter I shall give any manors, lands or tenements unto other free or copyhold all such [illegible] therein or any of [illegible] right interest of or title which he, they or any of his heir or heirs have or may have on and claim to any my manors, lands or tenements as well freehold and copyhold to him, her or them or any of them heretofore or hereafter bequeathed or intended to be given and bequeathed of the copyhold [illegible] lands not with it and to my said son, Gascoigne, I have made surrender to the use of this my last will that if it should happen that if any omission be my full intent and meaning is that the heir or heirs of my son, Mathew, shall [illegible] under and release unto him, her or them their heirs or assigns all such right, title and interest that he or they or any of them shall, may, might or ought to have or claim in so all or any parcel of them which is his or their or any of them shall not perform [illegible] to and perform upon reasonable request to be made by my said son, Gascoigne, or by any other person or persons heretofore or hereafter in this my last will unto whom I have given or hereafter shall give any lands, tenements, either free or copyhold, and to he or their heir and heirs or also by his, her or their heirs or assigns learned counsel shall [illegible] at the [illegible] and charged in the law notwithstanding of my said son, Gascoigne, and such other persons as aforesaid, his heir and heirs or any of their heirs or assigns then I will and my meaning is that neither any of the heir or heirs of my said son, Mathew Weld, that is to say Wickstead Weld, my grandchild, shall have or take any benefit by this my last will and testament but that all my lands and tenements free and copyhold aforesaid heretofore given to my grandchild, Wickstead Weld, shall be only to my son, Gascoigne Weld, and to his heirs forever and that upon such two or five heirs or heir their wilful neglect thereof at all he, they and every of them shall be [illegible] and disbarred of any gift or bequest for offer, legacy or legacies in this my last will and testament I have or shall give unto him, the said Wickstead or his heirs or assigns and that in that case also my said executor or executors shall and may take and have all lawful benefit and advantage against my said son, Mathew, and his heirs, executors and administrators of the bond of two hundred pounds penalty as aforesaid and must earnestly entreat that he or they may have all benefit and favour both in courts of law and court of equity for their relief therein; my will and desire being that they may all live and love together as brother in common and allies as I hopefully will and every one peaceably and quietly to possess and enjoy what out of the Holy blessing of God he hath enabled me to give, confer and bestow upon them.
And I do further give and bequeath unto him, the said Wickstead, to be paid by my executor or executors upon the performance of the conditions aforesaid, annexed unto the lands formerly bequeathed unto him and not otherwise, twenty pounds to be paid unto him towards his charges of [illegible] or for his charges in that business that he shall happen so to spend with the [illegible] escheator and other [illegible] attendant [illegible] within one month after he hath settled and quitted those businesses.
And I do further give and bequeath unto the said Wickstead Weld, my grandchild, upon such conditions as aforesaid and not otherwise that they may remain with him, my grandchild, as a token of especial remembrance of my love and good will I bear him four very fair apostle spoons, the fellows I gave of two unto him, my godson and grandchild, Wickstead Weld, at his christening, I being then one of his godfathers, which spoons were my son, Mathew Weld's, grandfather's that I leave in amongst [illegible] bought and purchased of my nephew [illegible] my son and Mathew's mother's niece, Emsman, and Allyce.
And such of my son Mathew's children by education or otherwise are not fit for other [illegible] I do give and allow toward their [illegible] forth as apprenticed to any good trade or trades ten pounds apiece whereby they may learn to live in some honest [illegible] and calling, not to live idly and unprofitably which is both hateful to God and all good men.
And to my brother, John Weld's, sons that may be living or at my death have livings I give unto either or any of them twenty shillings apiece; and to his daughters forty shillings apiece; and to my cousins, John Weld and Henry Weld, my brother, Thomas Weld's, children twenty shillings apiece; and to my cousin, Edmund Weld's, children twenty shillings apiece to be paid by my executor or executors within five months after my decease.
And likewise I give unto my man that attends me, [illegible].
.......hand piece [illegible] now to [illegible] to my cousin, Thomas Weld, therefore I put it out in this my will.
Item: I do give unto my son Brewster two levies (?) or parcels of ground in Fundenhall that I purchased [illegible] of the lands there of my cousin, Barwick, besides I do not only remit a debt for twenty pounds that he, my said son Brewster, does owe me without fear (?) also so and that he provide such competent portion for my daughter, Anne, his wife, accrued with to a bond of great penalty tending to that purpose which he have entered to me for to enjoy for to [illegible] and of her life for which I have not the least doubt but he will perform the same.
And I do further give unto my daughter Brewster a black gown and to Brightmond a black cloak and to her daughter, Elizabeth Brewster, my grandchild forty pounds for and towards help of portion in marriage for her [illegible] and to all other her children living ten pounds apiece, [illegible] to John Brewster, her son, with whom I gave ten pounds in my lifetime when he was put forth an apprentice and a clerk to an attorney; and I do likewise give unto my daughter Norton five pounds, to be paid into her own hand for so and disposed to her own good liking and unto her a black gown; and I do likewise give unto my daughter Howard (?) forty shillings to be paid into her own hands likewise and a black gown; and I do give unto my sister Gascoigne, if she be living after my decease, five pounds to be paid into her own hands, and to all her children that shall be living after my decease to be paid into their mother's hands for them twenty shillings apiece to be paid within one year after my decease.
And I do give unto the town of Braconash for a remembrance of my love to all unto their [illegible] stocks the sum of forty shillings which I will have entered into the church books for a common grant and contained thereof and to the poor of the same town to be distributed by my executor twenty shillings and to the poor of the town of Tasburgh twenty shillings and to the poor of the town of Long Stratton twenty shillings and I do give to the poor of the town of Mulbarton twenty shillings.
Item: I do give unto my son Gascoigne Weld and to every of his children ten pounds apiece to remain in their father's hands but to be remembered as a legacy given by me unto them and to my son and daughter Brightmond's children four pounds apiece to be left in his hands but to be remembered as a legacy given by me unto them.
And where I have any mortgage by house or lands which if I have any they are long forfeited yet if such parties that for mortgaged them or their heirs will truly pay to my executor or executors such sums of money as they were mortgaged for and pay all the rents issuing out of them and consideration reasonable for my long for bears my charges of reparations and all the my parliamentary charges and the like disbursements I am [illegible] they shall have them.
And I will my executor or executors to pay especially my debts as I know of none but if any happen to be, of what nature, however that they may be truly paid and my legacies likewise according to my true intent and meaning.
And revoking all other and former wills etc...
And thereof I do make and ordain Gascoigne Weld, my son, my one executor, give, will and bequeath unto him all my goods, chattels, cattle, plate, jewels, ready money, the privie [illegible] as of bills from committees for disbursements for houses and lay[illegible] forth by their appointment [illegible] and implements of household and whatsoever else do belong to me to the performance of this my last will and testament.
And so for my body, without any pomp and pamper, to be decently buried in the church or chancel of Braconash or Tasburgh, where in Tasburgh my late wife and my son, Mathew Weld, were interred or where if it so please God, at the discretion of my executor.
And of this my last will and testament I do make and appoint my nephew, Thomas Weld, son of my late brother, Thomas Weld deceased, and Edward Cooke, gent, steward of my manors of Tasburgh, supervisors, entreating them to be aiding and attesting to my said executor for the better performance of this my will and testament for which pains of my cousin (sic), Thomas Weld, and for a token of my love I bear him I do give unto him five pounds and for my friend, Edward Cooke, twenty shillings for his pains therein.
And one thing I have forgotten I give unto my uncle Daniel Weld's children (if any be alive) twenty shillings apiece.
And to my brother, John Weld's, wife (if she be living) ten shillings for a remembrance of my love.
Whereof to the five sheets etc...April third one thousand six hundred fifty.
A codicil to be annexed to the last will and testament of me Mathew Weld of Braconash in the county of Norfolk, gent, which I do declare, make and publish to be and is part of the same my last will and testament the first day of November anno dom one thousand five hundred forty nine (sic).
Whereas I, the said Mathew Weld, by my deed indented bearing date the nineteenth day of September in the year of our Lord God one thousand five hundred forty and nine and made or mentioned to be made between I, the said Mathew Weld, of the one part and John Weld of Wicklewood in the county of Norfolk, gent, and of Roger Lawes of Wymondham in the aforesaid county of Norfolk, gent, on the other part for the consideration therein expressed have for my [illegible], my heirs and assigns covenanted and granted so to and each of them, the said John Weld and Roger Lawes, their heirs, executors and administrators and every of them that if the said Mathew Weld my heir and assigns and every of them from thereto and at all times afterwards should and would stand and be seized of and in the manor and manors, lordship and lordships of Tasburgh, Asphall cum Boylands and Hunts situate, lying and being in the said county of Norfolk with all the royalties, liberties, franchises, casualties (?), profits, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the said manor and manors, lordship and lordships belonging and appertaining and allow of and in all those charged lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever of me, the said Mathew Weld, situate, lying and being in Brakonash, [illegible] and Mulbarton in the said county of Norfolk and in every or any of them and which are in the aforesaid deeds indented particularly mentioned and expressed with all and singular the rights, members and appurtenances whatsoever to them or any of them in anywise belonging or appertaining and also of and in all the messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever of me, the said Mathew Weld, situate, lying and being in Rumburgh, Wissett and South Elmham in the county of Suffolk with their and every of their rights, members and appurtenants whatsoever except the messuages lands and tenements in [illegible] in the said county of Norfolk which I, the said Mathew Weld, purchased of James [illegible] behoof of myself and my assigns for and during the [illegible] of my natural life without impeachment of or for any manner of waste and from and after my decease then to the [illegible] and behoof of Gascoigne Weld only son of me, the said Mathew Weld, now living and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten or be lawfully begotten and for default of such heirs male of his body begotten or to be begotten to the use and behoof of the right heirs of me, the said Mathew Weld, forever.
And of and in the messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in Saxlingham aforesaid which I purchased of the said Jonas Irbells with the appurtenances to the use and behoof of my self and my assigns for and during the term of my natural life without impeachment of or for any manner of waste and immediately from and after my decease to the use and behoof of him, the said Gascoigne Weld, my son and of his heirs and assigns forever are in and by the said mentioned deed indented [illegible] being thereunto had it, doth or may move at large [illegible] now, I, the said Mathew Weld, do by this my last will and testament and codicil annexed thereunto ratify and confirm the said mentioned deed indented and all and every the use and uses, estate and estates therein and thereby and by force of the statute for the transferring of uses into possession created, varied by [illegible] or appointed and everything therein contained.
And I, the said Mathew Weld, do hereby further declare the said deed indented to be real and true to all such uses, behoofs, intents and purposes as are therein contained [illegible] and without any trust or confidence in and or [illegible] whatsoever and therefore for the better [illegible] and estatage of the said manors and lordships, messuages, lands, tenements, hereditaments and other [illegible] accordingly in the said conveyance shall in anywise or in anything prove defective or insufficient in the laws for any matter or can [illegible] I do hereby will, devise and appoint all and singular the said manors, lordships, messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever mentioned and expressed in the said deed indented with their and every of their rights, members and appurtenances whatsoever except the said messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in Saxlingham aforesaid which I purchased of the said Jonas Irbells immediately from and after my decease to my said son, Gascoigne Weld, and the heirs male of his body begotten or to be begotten and for default of such heirs male to the use and behoof of the right heirs of me, the said Mathew Weld, forever.
And the said messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in Saxlingham aforesaid which I purchased of the said Jonas Irbells I do hereby will and devise, bequeath, limit and appoint immediately from and after my decease to my said son, Gascoigne Weld, and his heirs and assigns forever.
Proved at London 22 May 1552 (sic).
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
• Address: Tasburgh, Norfolk.
• Address: Heathill, Norfolk.
• Address: Fordham, Cambridgeshire.
• Address: Mulbarton, Norfolk.
• Address: Saxlingham, Norfolk.
• Address: Pulham St Mary, Norfolk.
• Address: Long Stratton, Norfolk.
• Address: Wacton, Norfolk.
• Address: Gissing, Norfolk.
Matthew married Katherine Green [150569] [MRIN: 58813]. Katherine died before 1649.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 28 M i. Matthew Weld [150570] died before 1650.
+ 29 F ii. Anne Weld [150583] was baptised on 27 Dec 1610 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and was buried on 23 May 1684 in Fundenhall, Norfolk.
Matthew next married Elizabeth Gascoyne [150571] [MRIN: 58814]. Elizabeth died before 1649.
General Notes: Possibly daughter of George Gascoigne and Mary Stokesley of Old Hurst, Hunts, born in 1572 and christened at Lasingcroft, Yorks.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 30 F i. Weld [150629] .
+ 31 F ii. Weld [150631] .
+ 32 F iii. Judith Weld [150623] was baptised on 25 Apr 1613 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
+ 33 M iv. Edmund Weld [150624] was baptised on 15 Jul 1616 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and died before 1650.
+ 34 M v. Gascoigne Weld [150572] was born in 1617, was baptised on 8 Sep 1618 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk, and died on 25 Apr 1701 aged 84.
+ 35 F vi. Elizabeth Weld [150633] .
10. Anne Weld [150638] (John2, John1) was baptised on 1 May 1569 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
11. Christopher Weld [150640] (John2, John1) was baptised on 27 Sep 1570 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
12. Mary Weld [150637] (John2, John1) was baptised on 29 Jun 1572 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
13. Martha Weld [150639] (John2, John1) was baptised on 1 Aug 1573 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
14. Timothy Weld [150636] (John2, John1) was baptised on 7 Sep 1577 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
15. Lucy Weld [19815] (John2, John1) was baptised on 14 Nov 1581 in St Michael at Plea, Norwich.
Fourth Generation (Great-Grandchildren)
16. Daniel Weld [19792] (Daniel3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1585 in St Andrew, Norwich and died before 1602.
17. Mary Weld [19793] (Daniel3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1588 in St Andrew, Norwich.
18. Samuel Weld [19790] (Daniel3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1591 in St Martin at Palace, Norwich.
Noted events in his life were:
• He worked as a Worsted weaver.
Samuel married Ann Togood [19791] [MRIN: 58841] in 1619 in St Andrew, Norwich.
19. Daniel Weld [19794] (Daniel3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1602 in St Andrew, Norwich.
20. John Weld [19796] (John (Rev)3, John2, John1) was born on 30 Dec 1603 and was baptised on 6 Jan 1604 in Caister, Norfolk.
21. Anne Weld [19797] (John (Rev)3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1606.
22. Mary Weld [19798] (John (Rev)3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1608.
23. Thomas Weld [19799] (John (Rev)3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1610 in Caister, Norfolk.
24. Daniel Weld [19800] (John (Rev)3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1612 in Caister, Norfolk.
25. Martha Weld [19801] (John (Rev)3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1613.
26. Lucy Weld [19802] (John (Rev)3, John2, John1) was baptised in 1615.
27. Thomas Weld [19804] (Thomas3, John2, John1) was born circa 1598 and died in 1664 aged 66.
Noted events in his life were:
• He worked as a Barrister.
Thomas married Margaret Skipwith [19805] [MRIN: 58843].
The child from this marriage was:
+ 36 M i. Thomas Weld [150613] was born in 1630 and died in 1717 aged 87.
28. Matthew Weld [150570] (Matthew3, John2, John1) died before 1650.
Matthew married Barbara Wickstead [150586] [MRIN: 58820], daughter of John Wickstead [150587] and Unknown,.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 37 M i. John Weld [150597] .
+ 38 F ii. Amy Weld [150598] .
+ 39 M iii. Martin Weld [150600] .
+ 40 M iv. Matthew Weld [150601] died in 1675.
+ 41 M v. Wickstead Weld [150588] was born on 18 Dec 1628 in Cambridge and died on 28 Dec 1699 in Moulton, Suffolk aged 71.
+ 42 F vi. Elizabeth Weld [150635] was baptised on 28 Nov 1633 in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire.
+ 43 F vii. Barbara Weld [150602] was baptised on 5 Sep 1639 in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire and was buried on 30 Sep 1639 in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire.
29. Anne Weld [150583] (Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 27 Dec 1610 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and was buried on 23 May 1684 in Fundenhall, Norfolk.
Anne married William Brewster [150584] [MRIN: 58819] on 25 Feb 1627 in Bracon Ash, Norfolk. William was buried on 8 Jan 1684 in Fundenhall, Norfolk.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 44 M i. John Brewster [150585] .
+ 45 F ii. Elizabeth Brewster [150609] .
+ 46 M iii. Matthew Brewster [150628] .
+ 47 F iv. Ann Brewster [20202] .
30. Weld [150629] (Matthew3, John2, John1).
Weld married Brightmond [150630] [MRIN: 58835].
31. Weld [150631] (Matthew3, John2, John1).
Weld married Howard [150632] [MRIN: 58836].
32. Judith Weld [150623] (Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 25 Apr 1613 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
33. Edmund Weld [150624] (Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 15 Jul 1616 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and died before 1650.
34. Gascoigne Weld [150572] (Matthew3, John2, John1) was born in 1617, was baptised on 8 Sep 1618 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk, and died on 25 Apr 1701 aged 84.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
Gascoigne married Ann Hall [150575] [MRIN: 58816] circa 1640. Ann was born on 2 Jan 1622 and died on 19 Feb 1660 aged 38.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 48 F i. Judith Weld [150581] .
+ 49 F ii. Elizabeth Weld [150579] was born in 1645, was baptised on 22 Aug 1645 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk, and died on 4 Dec 1714 aged 69.
+ 50 F iii. Anne Weld [150582] was baptised on 18 Aug 1646 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and was buried on 22 Jul 1651 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
+ 51 F iv. Mary Weld [150577] was baptised on 2 Sep 1647 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
+ 52 M v. Joseph Weld [150612] was baptised on 29 Dec 1651 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and died on 18 Jan 1712 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk aged 60.
+ 53 M vi. Gascoigne Weld [150576] was baptised on 22 Apr 1654 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and died before 1701.
+ 54 M vii. Matthew Weld [150625] was baptised on 26 Jun 1655 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and died before 1701.
Gascoigne next married Margaret Long [150626] [MRIN: 58833] before 1671. Margaret was born in 1618.
Gascoigne next married Philippa Calthorpe [150573] [MRIN: 58815], daughter of Philip Calthorpe [150643] and Unknown, on 20 Feb 1671 in St Gregory, Norwich. Philippa was born in 1632 and died on 4 Aug 1704 aged 72.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 55 F i. Barbara Weld [150574] was born in 1672, died in 1690 aged 18, and was buried on 24 Nov 1690 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
35. Elizabeth Weld [150633] (Matthew3, John2, John1).
Elizabeth married Richard Norton [150634] [MRIN: 58837].
Fifth Generation (Great Great-Grandchildren)
36. Thomas Weld [150613] (Thomas4, Thomas3, John2, John1) was born in 1630 and died in 1717 aged 87.
General Notes: Admissions to Grays Inn: Thomas Weld, son and heir app. of Thos. W., of Wymondham.
1654 For this and the following Parliament Norfolk returned ten
members, viz. : Sir John Hobart, Bart., Blickling ; Sir William Doyley,
Shottisham ; Sir Ralph Hare, Bart., Stow Bardolph ; Thomas Weld, Esq.,
Braconash ; Robert Wilton, Esq., Wilby ; Thomas Sotherton, Esq.,
Taverham ; Phillip Wodehouse, Esq., Kimberley ; Robert Wood, Esq.,
Braconash ; Philip Bedingfield, Esq., Ditchingham ; Tobias Frere, Esq.,
Redinghall.
Farm near Earsham Common containing c. 55 acres. Feoffment: Thomas Fritton to Thomas Weld, 1638. copy of will and codicil of Thomas Weld, 1650 and 1660; mortgaged by Edmund Weld to John Chappell, 1693; released by Thomas Weld to Chappell, 1702; lease and release.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Wymondham, Norfolk.
Thomas married Elizabeth Sedley [150642] [MRIN: 58838] on 20 Oct 1664 in Wymondham, Norfolk. Elizabeth was baptised on 10 Nov 1646 in Morley St Peter, Norfolk.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 56 M i. Edward Weld [19806] died in 1746 and was buried in Cawston, Norfolk.
+ 57 F ii. Mary Weld [19808] died in 1758.
+ 58 F iii. Katherine Weld [19810] died in 1757.
+ 59 F iv. Anne Weld [19811] was born in 1669 and died on 4 May 1721 aged 52.
37. John Weld [150597] (Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
General Notes: From Elizabeth Dayrell nee Wickstead's will:
Item: I give unto my nephew, Mr John Weld, my silver candlestick snuffers, extinguishers, as also my brass clock and five pounds for mourning.
Item: I give unto his wife five pounds for mourning.
Noted events in his life were:
• Occupation/Address: Alderman, London.
John married Hannah Elsing [19817] [MRIN: 58847] in 1666.
John next married Rebecca Bourne [19816] [MRIN: 58827] in 1667.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 60 F i. Rebeccah Weld [150603] was born in 1669.
+ 61 M ii. Mathew Weld [150604] .
+ 62 M iii. John Weld [150605] .
+ 63 M iv. Joseph Weld [150606] .
+ 64 F v. Mary Weld [150607] .
John next married Susan Chaplin [19818] [MRIN: 58850] in 1672. Susan was baptised on 11 Sep 1642.
38. Amy Weld [150598] (Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
Amy married Dayrell [150599] [MRIN: 58826]. Dayrell [150599] died before 1700.
39. Martin Weld [150600] (Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
40. Matthew Weld [150601] (Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1) died in 1675.
General Notes: In the name of God Amen the twentieth day of January in the five and twentieth year of the reign of our sovereign lord king, Charles the second, 1673, I, Mathew Weld of Fen Ditton in the county of Cambridge, Gent, being in perfect health and of a sound memory, thanks be given to God, and avoiding further preamble which is rather of course than necessity, do make this my last will and testament in form following:
Imprimis: I give and bequeath unto Mrs Jane Weld, my truly loving and virtuous wife, all my messuages, lands, tenements, pastures, meadows and woods both free and copyhold with their and every of their rights, members and appurtenances whatsoever situate, lying and being in Gissing in Norfolk to have and to hold the said messuages, lands, tenements, pastures, meadows and woods both free and copyhold to the said Mrs Jane Weld and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life upon condition that she shall keep the said houses, barns, stables and other the edifices in rentable repair and from and after her decease I give the same messuages, lands, tenements, pastures, meadows and woods with their and every of their appurtenances unto my two brothers, Wickstead Weld, Esq., and John Weld, their heirs and assigns to be equally divided between them to have and to hold to the said Wickstead and John their heirs and assigns forever, the aforementioned premises immediately from and after the death of my said wife but my will and meaning is that if my wife shall chance to be with child at the time of my death and that after the child shall be born and live to the age of one and twenty years then the devise above to my two brothers, Wickstead and John shall be void and of no effect and that all my estate aforesaid shall go to the said child and it's heirs forever from and after the death of my said wife.
Item: I give unto my brother Wickstead Weld all my Law books or Latin Books whatsoever.
Item: I give unto my brother Martin all my apparel linen and woollen.
Item: I give to my brother John forty shillings to buy him a ring to be paid him within a quarter of a year after my decease.
Item: I give unto the poor of the town of Fen Ditton twenty shillings to be distributed amongst them by the overseers of the said town within one month after my decease.
Item: I give to the poor of Gissing in Norfolk forty shillings to be paid to the overseers of the said town within a quarter of a year after my decease to be by them distributed amongst the said poor.
All the rest of my goods and chattels, debts and household stuff whatsoever, my debts and funeral charges being first defrayed, I give and dispose of them to my said wife, Mrs Jane Weld, whom I do make and ordain sole executrix of this my last will and testament herein revoking all other and former wills by me heretofore made.
I formally surrender my copyhold land at Gissing into the hands of the lord of the manor by the hands of Mr Edmund Clarke, his steward, to the use of my will and paid him for the entry thereof.
In witness thereof etc...seven and twentieth day of September 1674.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Fen Ditton, Cambridgeshire.
Matthew married Jane Dey [150621] [MRIN: 58832] in 1670. They had no children.
41. Wickstead Weld [150588] (Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was born on 18 Dec 1628 in Cambridge and died on 28 Dec 1699 in Moulton, Suffolk aged 71.
General Notes: This is the last will and testament of me, Wicksted Weld, of Moulton in the county of Suffolk, Esquire.
And first whereas a great part of my estate is already settled upon the marriage of my daughter Taylor I do, by this my will, confirm the said settlement in all things and do hereby declare my will to be that whatsoever is in the said settlement contained and intended to be thereby settled shall go, ensue and be according to the several limitations and declarations concerning the same respectively therein mentioned.
And as concerning the same respectively therein mentioned and as concerning my farm at Fordham, in the county of Cambridge holden by lease of Trinity Hall in Cambridge for a term of years not yet expired (the said farm not being comprised in the foresaid settlement) I do hereby give unto my dear wife and Dudley Bradbury of Moulton aforesaid, clerk, and to Thomas Searvant of Ashley in the county of Cambridge, clerk, and the survivors and survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor.
And as for and concerning all that the parsonage or rectory I'm propriate of Fordham aforesaid and all tithes of what nature soever to the same belonging (all which I now hold of the Bishop of Ely and have them a freehold and distendible estate determinable upon lives) and all other my estate whatsoever holden of the said Bishop I do here by give and devise the same and all my estate, right, title and interest therein whatsoever unto my said loving wife and the said Dudley Bradbury and Thomas Searvant and the survivor and survivors of them and the heirs and assigns of such survivor, all which freehold and leasehold premises holden of the said college of Trinity Hall and the Bishop of Ely are yet nevertheless hereby given and demised as aforesaid only to the intent and purposes and upon trust in the first place to pay and discharge all the several rents and to perform all the several covenants contained in the several and respective leases of the premises according to the time and meaning thereof on the part or parts of the respective lessees and tenants of the same to be paid, kept and performed and in the next place of the other part of the rents, issues and profits thereof to raise all such sums of money as from time to time shall be necessary and sufficient for the paying and discharging the several fines and all charges for the renewing and filling up all the several leases for such times and terms of twenty and one years for three lives as mu trustees can or may obtain of the several and respective premises and to apply the said money so raised for the paying and discharging of the same, it being my will and desire that my said freehold and leasehold farms should have continuance and not be worn out and the tenancies thereof be lost for want of renewal.
And it is my will and desire that the said estates and leases be respectively renewed in and at such convenient times and seasons as have been usual and accustomed in such cases before the respective interest therein be too far spent and that the respective interest in such renewed estates and leases be vested and continued in my said trustees in such manner and upon such limitations as is hereinbefore and shall be hereafter declared of and concerning the present interest of the same premises respectively and to the intent and upon this further trust that my trustees shall likewise out of the rents , issues and profits of the same premises reimburse themselves and every of them all their necessary expenses, costs, charges and damages occasioned for or by reason of the trust hereby committed to and reposed in them and shall in the next place out of the said rents and profits pay and allow unto my brother, John Weld, of London, the yearly sum of twenty pounds during the term of his natural life by four quarterly even or equal portions and payable at the four most usual feasts or quarter days in each year, the first payment to be made upon the first quarter day which shall be at the distance of three months at least after my decease which annuity I will shall be paid to him only upon condition hereafter mentioned and declared (that is to say) if he, the said John Weld, my brother shall indemnify and save harmless my trustees and executors of this my last will and testament and give them such security as shall satisfy them and be thought sufficient to indemnify and save them harmless from all bonds and engagements in which I have been formerly become bound for him, my said brother, and upon trust to pay and dispose of the rest of the rents, issues and profits of the same premises to my son, Wickstead Weld, during the term of his natural life to and for his own use and behoof and from and after his decease for the payment of ten pounds per annum unto my said son, Wickstead's, wife that now is, during her widowhood payable at four equal portions at the four must usual quarter days of the year and in trust for the maintenance and education of all such legitimate children of him, the said Wickstead Weld, as he shall leave at the time of his death until the eldest son of him, the said Wickstead, lawfully begotten, if shall leave any, shall attain to his age of one and twenty years, which children I desire may be brought up by the care and direction of my said trustees and such an allowance assigned for their education as they, my said trustees, in their discretion shall think fit and what shall remain of the said rents and profits during the minority of the eldest son of my said son, Wickstead, my will is shall be equally disposed of and laid out amongst the other children of him, my said son, Wickstead, for portions for the said children and when the eldest son of my said son, Wickstead, shall attain his age of one and twenty years in trust for such son his heirs, executors or administrators.
All which rents and profits arising out of the premises I give for the use of my said son, Wickstead, and the legitimate heirs of his body upon condition only that he, my said son, and his children after him shall be obliged to perform all the covenants, pay and allow all manner of reserved rents out of the premises, maintain, keep and uphold in good and sufficient repair the chancel belonging to the parish church of Fordham aforesaid and likewise the houses, barns, stables, dovehouse and all other edifices as thereunto belonging and also all other necessary charges whatsoever which shall happen to my said trustees or their executors or administrators in managing and performing of the said trust committed and reposed in them and that my said son, Wickstead, and his heirs shall indemnify and save harmless the said trustees and their executors from all manner of suits, charges or troubles which shall or may fall upon them hereafter by reason of the said trust or executorship committed to them.
And also upon condition that he, my said son Wickstead Weld, shall within three months after my decease give up all his right and title to a certain estate lately by me purchased of Doctor Buckenham in Moulton aforesaid containing by estimation one hundred and fifty acres be the same more or less with two cottages being part of the said purchase; all which premise I purchased of Dr Buckenham aforesaid I give and bequeath to my grandchild, Alexander Horton, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns during the term of years in the said estate to me by lease granted not yet expired; all which premises I give and bequeath to my said grandchild, Alexander Horton, upon condition that he, the said Alexander Horton, do take the same in lieu of a farm at Dunstall Green in the parish of Dalham in the county of Suffolk, which said farm was intended to be settled upon my daughter, the mother of the said Alexander Horton, upon her marriage.
And my further will and meaning is that my said son, Wickstead Weld, shall have no benefit hereinbefore by this my will intended to him unless he shall suffer and permit my said grandchild, Alexander Horton, and his heirs quietly and peaceably at all times to have, hold and possess and enjoy all that estate aforesaid lately by me purchased of Doctor Buckenham which I sometime since settled upon or leased unto my said son, Wickstead, and shall upon request to him made by good assurance in the law likewise convey over and assure unto my said grandchild, his heirs and assigns the said estate so settled upon or leased to him as aforesaid and in case he shall give any disturbance or interruption unto my said grandchild, his heirs or assigns in the enjoyment of the same or shall not upon request as aforesaid make such conveyance and assurance as aforesaid I do then by this my will give and devise all benefit and advantage herein before intended, mentioned and expressed to or toward my said son unto my said grandchild, Alexander Horton, and his assigns anything herein before mentioned to the contrary notwithstanding but upon condition that he, the said Alexander Horton, my grandchild, shall observe, perform and keep all the said covenants and be tied by the same conditions as aforesaid and shall from time to time and all times indemnify and save harmless my trustees and executors as above mentioned.
And as concerning my farm at Moulton which I hold by lease of Trinity Hall aforesaid for a term of years not yet expired I give the profits of the said farm to my dear wife for the term of one and twenty years if she live so long, she conveying the lease in due time and before its expiration, paying the rents, performing the covenants and keeping up the houses, barns, stables and other edifices thereunto belonging in good and sufficient repairs and after the said term of years or the decease of my wife I bequeath the said farm to the trustees aforesaid and the survivors and survivor of them, the heirs and executors of such survivor for the use of my said son, Wickstead Weld, and his children after him, to be enjoyed by him and them as before expressed and limited in the settlement of my farms at Fordham aforesaid.
Also I give my dear daughter, Mary Taylor, the wife of Thomas Taylor, Esq., if she happen to survive and outlive her husband that now is, the sum of two hundred pounds to be paid or served to her for her use within six months after the decease of her husband, the said Thomas Taylor, Esq.; also all my plate, linen, bedding and household stuff within doors.
It is my will and I do hereby appoint that my wife shall have the use and wearing of the same during the term of her natural life without being accountable for anything that shall be worn out or decayed by use and after her decease I do give to my daughter Taylor, if she happen to be a widow, my silver tea pot, my silver server, two silver plates and one silver tankard which was my wife's before marriage.
And to my son, Wickstead Weld, I give my great silver tankard and six silver spoons commonly called apostle spoons.
And to my grandson, Alexander Horton, I give one silver tankard.
The rest of my plate and goods within doors I do give and devise one moiety or half part of the same unto my son, Wickstead Weld, and the other moiety of half part I do give and devise to my daughter Taylor if she happen to be a widow and my grandson, Alexander Horton, to be equally divided between them.
And my will is that my wife do as soon as conveniently may be after my decease make a true inventory or particular of the said plate, linen, bedding and household stuff and deliver one copy thereof to my son, Wickstead, and another copy thereof to my daughter Taylor and a third copy thereof to my grandson, Alexander Horton.
And whereas I hold a cottage in Moulton aforesaid called Fletchers with two acres of land thereunto belonging from the aforesaid college of Trinity Hall in Cambridge I do give to my servant, George Browne, the said cottage with the land thereunto belonging for the term of fourteen years after my decease he paying the rent and performing the covenants reserved and required in the lease from the said college.
And for and concerning the rest of my personal estate I do hereby will and bequeath unto my son, Wickstead Weld, four cows now in his possession, my riding nag and all my books with the best of my wearing clothes, linen and woollen.
And as for the rest of my stocks I will that the same, as soon as may be after my decease, be converted into money by my executors hereafter named and that they do there out, in the first place, satisfy my funeral and all my just debts and the legacies hereafter given and bequeathed and that my said executors and the survivors and survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor do and shall from to time employ and dispose of the residue of my said personal estate out at interest upon security to be taken in their name or the names of the survivors or survivor of them or the executors or administrators of such survivor the remaining part of which after my debts and legacies are discharged I will and appoint shall be divided one moiety or half part thereof among the younger children of my son, Wickstead, if he leaves more than one, and the other moiety to be divided between the children of my daughter Taylor and my grandchild, Alexander Horton.
And in case my son, Wickstead, dies without children or have but one then I bequeath the said moiety or half part to be divided between my nephew, John Weld, and my niece, Rebeccah Oates, son and daughter to my brother, John Weld, of London, provided.
Usual executor's indemnity clause.
And as concerning other legacies by me intended I do hereby give and bequeath to each of my brother, John Weld's, five children now living as shall happen to survive me the sum of five pounds upon condition only that they, together with their father, shall indemnify and save harmless my executors and give them such security as shall be thought sufficient to indemnify them from all bonds and engagements in which I have been formerly become bound for him, my said brother, their father.
Also I give to my servant, George Browne, the sum of forty pounds to be paid him within six months after my decease in consideration as well as of his faithful service as for what arrearages of wages as shall then happen to be due to him.
Also I give to my kinswoman, Margaret Palmer, widow, the sum of forty shillings.
Also to my sister, Amy Dayrell, widow, the sum of twenty shillings.
Also to Jane Page of Moulton, widow, the sum of forty shillings.
Also to the poor of the parish of Moulton aforesaid the sum of thirty shillings and to the poor of the parish of Fordham aforesaid the sum of fifty shillings to be disposed of in each parish at the discretion of my executors.
Also I give to my dear wife my chariot and two coach horses with coach harness for two horses.
Also to my cousin, Heigham Perne of Brinkley, and to his son and daughter, if they survive me, to each ten shillings to buy them rings.
Also I order my executors to lay out five pounds for mourning for my son, Wickstead Weld, to be in readiness for him to put on at my burial and to pay him in part of the rents accruing and growing out of the farms of Fordham the sum of twenty pounds within three months after my decease.
Also I give to my son in law, Thomas Taylor, Esq., the sum of forty shillings.
Also I give to my son in law, Hugh Horton, Esq., the sum of forty shillings.
Also to his wife that now is the sum of twenty shillings and to each of his children by this wife alive at the time of my decease the sum of ten shillings.
Also I give to Dudley Bradley aforesaid of Moulton in the county of Suffolk, clerk, the sum of forty shillings.
Also I give to Thomas Stavancer of Ashley in the county of Cambridge, clerk, the sum of three pounds.
And I do hereby nominate and appoint my dearly beloved wife and Dudley Bradbury aforesaid and Thomas Stavancer aforesaid executors of this my last will and testament etc...
Also I do give my loving kinsman, Joseph Weld of Bury St Edmunds in the county of Suffolk, Esq., the sum of forty shillings.
Also to John Worthington late fellow of St Peters College in Cambridge the sum of twenty shillings.
And I desire and request the said Joseph Weld, Esq., and the said John Worthington, gentleman, to be supervisors of this my last will and testament and that they would be aiding and assisting to my executors and trustees before mentioned in witness whereof etc... this eighteenth day of July in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred ninety nine.
Research Notes: WICKSTED WELD the Son and Heir of Matthew, Principal of Barnard's Inn in London, by Barbara his wife, the daughter and coheir of John Wicksted Mayor of Cambridge in 1613, was born at his grandfather's house in that town on 18 Dec. 1628, and admitted pensioner here under the tuition of Mr. Golfer 8 Apr. 1644. He was not long after appointed Mr. Mere's scholar, but as his father designed him for a lawyer, so he never took any degree; but went from hence to one of the Inns of Court, where by his application to the study of the laws, he soon became well skilled in them, although he never made them his practice, being heir to a plentifull estate; which he afterwards encreased by marriage, first with Elizabeth the daughter of John Smith of Beyford in Hertfordshire, by whom he had Wicksted his son and heir (born according to the Register of Landbeach 24 Jun. 1654) who was probably the person admitted here in 1671, although then said to have been a native of Suffolk, and who afterwards married and settled at Fordham in this County, where he was a sufferer by fire in 1713. The father's 2d. Wife was Anne sister and heir to ____ Pyches of Moulton in Suffolk, and relict of John Aldhouse; by whom he had Mary, heir apparent to her mother, who married Thomas Taylor of Great Fakenham in Suffolk esq. He died, and was buried at Moulton, where the memory of his virtues will long continue; especially his charity and hospitality. The Arms of this Family are Az. a Fesse nebuly between 3 Crescents Erm.
From Elizabeth Dayrell nee Wickstedad's will:
Item: I give unto my nephew, Wickstead Weld, Esq., my gold watch, my gold coat of arms with a ring having a diamond in it and was my last wedding ring as also four pounds to buy him mourning.
Item: I give to his wife my purple mantle, a pair of sable gloves and five pounds for mourning.
Wickstead married Elizabeth Smith [150589] [MRIN: 58822]. Elizabeth was born in 1630 in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire and died on 12 Jan 1658 aged 28.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 65 M i. Wickstead Weld [150591] was born on 24 Jun 1654 in Landbeach, Cambridgeshire and died in 1723 aged 69.
Wickstead next married Ann Pyches [150590] [MRIN: 58823]. Ann died in 1708 in Moulton, Suffolk.
General Notes: This is last will and testament of me, Ann Weld of Moulton in the county of Suffolk, widow.
Imprimis as to all my plate, linen, bedding and household stuff whatsoever which I had and now have as executrix of my late brother, Edward Pitches, gent, deceased, and of my late mother, Ann Pitches, widow, deceased, now remaining in my dwelling house in Moulton aforesaid I leave to be divided into three equal parts, one of which I give and bequeath to my son in law, Wicksted Weld, gent, another to my grandson, Alexander Horton esq, and the rest to my executors hereafter named for the only use of my dear daughter, Mary Taylor, the wife of Thomas Taylor esq, in case she be a widow to be kept by them or some one of them against such time as she is left a widow and in case she shall happen to depart this life before her husband that now is then I give that part of my goods bequeathed to her to be equally divided between her brother, Wicksted Weld, and her said nephew, Alexander Horton.
And as for the plate formerly bequeathed by my dear husband, Wicksted Weld esq, in his last will and testament I will that the same be disposed of according to his said will and in case my said daughter, Taylor, does not happen to be a widow then I appoint that the said peices of plate bequeathed to her by her said father be equally divided between her said brother and nephew Horton.
And as to all that my copyhold or customary messuage or farm with all and singular the lands, meadows, pastures and appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging, situate, lying and being at Dunstall Green in the parish of Dalham in the said county, my will is that the same be sold by my executors hereinafter named, or such of them as shall take upon them the execution of this my will, as soon as conveniently the same can be after my decease for the best price they can get for the same and the money thereout arising as also the rents and profits thereof until such sale, and also out of all other my goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever not herein before bequeathed, I give and dispose of as followeth:
First that my executors do thereout satisfy and pay the charges of my funeral and all such just debts as I shall owe at the time of my decease.
In the next place I give to my said daughter five pounds to buy her mourning also to my said son and daughter Taylor ten shillings apiece to buy them rings.
Also I give to my son in law, Hugh Horton esq, and his wife and to my said grandson, Alexander Horton, ten shillings apiece to buy them rings.
Also I give to my cousin, Ann Pond, widow, and to her daughter, Mary Pond, ten shillings apiece to buy them rings and to John Carter, gent, ten shillings to buy him a ring.
Also I give to my godson, Charles Carter, clerk, forty shillings and to my late servant, John Woodland, forty shillings and to my servant, Hanna Cowell, in case she shall live with me at the time of my decease, the sum of forty shillings.
Also I give to the poor of Moulton aforesaid the sum of thirty shillings to be distributed as my executors shall think fit.
I do nominate and appoint my loving friends Dudley Bradbury of Moulton aforesaid, clerk, Thomas Searvant of Chevely in the county of Cambridge, clerk, and John Carter of Gazely in the said county of Suffolk, gent, executors of this my will and for their care and trouble therein I give unto them the sum of four pounds apiece but in case any of my said executors shall refuse to take upon them the execution of this my will then, and in such case, I give the legacy or legacies of him or them so refusing to him or them as shall take upon him or them the execution of this my will.
And further what money shall be and remain out of the sale of my said messuage and lands and also out of my personal estate not herein before bequeathed after payment of my funeral charges, debts and legacies herein before mentioned and reimbursing my said executors what expenses, costs and charges they shall be at and put to in proving this my will and otherwise, my will and mind is that the same be put out at interest by and in the names of my executors, or one of them, and that all such interest for the same as shall from time to time (during the coverture of or between the said Thomas and Mary Taylor) grow due and be payable be paid into the hands of my said daughter, Mary Taylor, for her own sole and proper use followed by usual receipt stuff.
And in case my said daughter shall happen to survive her said husband, Mr Taylor, then my will is that all the principal sum of money that shall be then left out of the sale of my said farm shall be and remain to the only proper use of my said daughter, Taylor, upon condition that she continue a widow two years after her said husband's decease or if she marry sooner with the consent and approbation of any one of my said executors but if she marry meanly and below her own quality and fortune or without the consent of one of my executors or within less than two years after the decease of her said husband, Mr Taylor, then I will and appoint that the whole remaining sum or sums of money shall be kept and disposed of as my said executors shall think fit but in case my said daughter shall happen to depart this life before her husband, Mr Taylor, then my will and mind is that all such remaining sum and sums of money be equally divided between such of my executors as shall take upon them the execution of this my will provided nevertheless if any disputes, controversies or differences shall happen to arise or be made by any person or persons whatsoever touching this my will or relating to any matter or thing herein mentioned or contained whereby or by reason whereof actions at law or other suits mat be brought or commenced against my executors or any of them and they thereby be put to charge and trouble that then and in such case my will and mind is and I do hereby declare it so to be that my said executors shall and may out of the money herein before mentioned to be put out at interest reimburse, satisfy and pay themselves all such costs, charges and reasonable expenses whatsoever which they or any of them shall be at and put to by reason of such action, suits or controversies or by reason of any other trouble in executing of this my will followed by usual legal blurb for executors.
In witness whereof.......this two and twentieth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seven.
Proved 2 July 1708.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 66 F i. Mary Weld [150592] .
+ 67 F ii. Ann Weld [150593] died before 1700.
42. Elizabeth Weld [150635] (Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 28 Nov 1633 in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire.
43. Barbara Weld [150602] (Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 5 Sep 1639 in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire and was buried on 30 Sep 1639 in Cottenham, Cambridgeshire. She never married and had no children.
44. John Brewster [150585] (Anne Weld4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
45. Elizabeth Brewster [150609] (Anne Weld4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
Elizabeth married Brewster [150610] [MRIN: 58828].
The child from this marriage was:
+ 68 M i. John Brewster [150611] .
46. Matthew Brewster [150628] (Anne Weld4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
47. Ann Brewster [20202] (Anne Weld4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
48. Judith Weld [150581] (Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1). She never married and had no children.
49. Elizabeth Weld [150579] (Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was born in 1645, was baptised on 22 Aug 1645 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk, and died on 4 Dec 1714 aged 69.
General Notes: Here lieth the body of Eliz. Rutter widow, late the Wife of Richard Rutter Esq; of Kingsley in Cheshire, who was daughter of Gascoigne Weld late of Braconash Esq. who departed this Life the 4th of Dec 1714, æt. 69.
Elizabeth married Richard Rutter [150580] [MRIN: 58818] on 22 May 1666.
50. Anne Weld [150582] (Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 18 Aug 1646 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and was buried on 22 Jul 1651 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk. She never married and had no children.
51. Mary Weld [150577] (Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 2 Sep 1647 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk.
Mary married Rev William Starkey [150578] [MRIN: 58817]. William was born in 1651 and died on 13 Oct 1717 aged 66.
General Notes: Here lieth the Body of William Starkey, the son of Dr. Starkey, both rectors of this church, whose first wife was Mary the daughter of Gascoigne Welde of Braken-Ash, Esq. His 2d wife, the daughter of John Amyas of Hingham, Gent. who in pious memory, caused this stone to be laid. He died Oct. 13, 1717, aged 66.
William Starkey succeeded his father William Starkey D.D. as Rector of Pulham St. Mary in Norfolk. He had been vicar of Corpus Christi College and of Stetchworth in Cambridgeshire before his appointment to Pulham St. Mary. He had married Mary Weld, the daughter of Gascoigne Weld and Ann Hall. Mary's mother Ann was the eldest daughter of Bishop Hall and it was through Mary that the Golden Medal presented to Bishop Hall by the synod of Dorchester passed into the hands of the husband of William Starkey's only daughter Mary; John Jermy of Bayfield Hall, and thence to their only son William Jermy who died childless and bequeathed the Golden Medal to Emanuel College.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Pulham St Mary, Norfolk.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 69 F i. Mary Starkey [150618] was born on 8 Oct 1689 and died on 17 Aug 1713 aged 23.
52. Joseph Weld [150612] (Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 29 Dec 1651 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and died on 18 Jan 1712 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk aged 60.
General Notes: Joseph Weld, son and heir of Gascoign Weld, æt. 13, Ao. 1664, was alive and lived here. Eliz. his sister lies buried here with the arms of Rutter, gul. three garbs in chief a lion passant arg. impaling Weld.
bap. 29 Dec. 1651, o. s. of Gascoigne Weld of Tasburgh, Norf. and Bracon Ash by his 1st w. Anne, da. of Joseph Hall, bp. of Norwich. educ. Norwich sch. by 1665; Bury St. Edmunds sch.; Christ's, Camb. 1668; M. Temple 1673, called 1679. unm. suc. fa. 1701.
Offices Held
Recorder, Bury St. Edmunds 1689\endash d.; freeman 1694.
Biography
Weld stood at a by-election for Bury in 1703, with the approval of the retiring Member Lord Hervey (John), but was defeated by Sir Robert Davers, 2nd Bt. Named as a serjeant-at-law in 1705, he was returned in 1709 at another by-election, again with Hervey's backing. He was given leave of absence for three weeks on 21 Dec. and again on 14 Mar. 1710. Listed, possibly in error, as having voted against the impeachment of Dr Sacheverell, he was classed as a Tory in the 'Hanover list' (notwithstanding his re-election on Hervey's interest). It had also been reported at the time of the general election that Weld would support the Whig candidates for Norfolk. He was listed among the 'Tory patriots' who opposed the continuation of the war, and on 7 Mar. 1711 was given leave of absence to recover his health.
Weld died 'suddenly of an apoplexy' on 18 Jan. 1712, 'at his chambers in Serjeants' Inn in Fleet Street', and was buried at Bury St. Edmunds.
Research Notes: Weld, Joseph, Esq'. Serjeant at Lawe, and Member of Parliament for Bury St Edmunds in Suff., died on Friday, 18th of January at his chambers in Serjeants Inne, Fleet Street: buried at Bury St. Edmunds in St Mary's church, in the charnell house, 26 day of January, Saturday. No will.
His sister and his other sister's daughter (heirs); Mary.
Serjeant Weld was only surviving son of Gascoigne Weld, of Bracon Ash, Esq., by Anne, his wife, daughter of Bishop Hall. It was Mary, their eldest daughter, who married Wm. Starkey, Rector of Pulham, and had an only child, Mary, who became wife of John Jermy, of Bayfield, Esq. The other daughter, Elizabeth Weid, was wife of Richard Rutter, Esq., of Kingsley, Cheshire. (Blomefield, V., 87.)
53. Gascoigne Weld [150576] (Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 22 Apr 1654 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and died before 1701. He never married and had no children.
54. Matthew Weld [150625] (Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 26 Jun 1655 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk and died before 1701. He never married and had no children.
55. Barbara Weld [150574] (Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was born in 1672, died in 1690 aged 18, and was buried on 24 Nov 1690 in St Nicholas, Bracon Ash, Norfolk. She never married and had no children.
Sixth Generation (3rd Great-Grandchildren)
56. Edward Weld [19806] (Thomas5, Thomas4, Thomas3, John2, John1) died in 1746 and was buried in Cawston, Norfolk.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Alderman, Norwich, Norfolk.
Edward married Muriel Laws [19807] [MRIN: 58844] in 1716. Muriel died in 1726.
57. Mary Weld [19808] (Thomas5, Thomas4, Thomas3, John2, John1) died in 1758.
Mary married Rev Thomas Palgrave [19809] [MRIN: 58845] in 1718.
Noted events in his life were:
• Occupation/Address: Rector, Brockdish, Norfolk.
58. Katherine Weld [19810] (Thomas5, Thomas4, Thomas3, John2, John1) died in 1757. She never married and had no children.
59. Anne Weld [19811] (Thomas5, Thomas4, Thomas3, John2, John1) was born in 1669 and died on 4 May 1721 aged 52.
Noted events in her life were:
• Address: Filby, Norfolk.
Anne married Rev James Wace [19812] [MRIN: 58846]. James was born in 1656 and died on 25 May 1722 in Filby, Norfolk aged 66.
Noted events in his life were:
• Occupation/Address: Rector, Filby, Norfolk.
60. Rebeccah Weld [150603] (John5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was born in 1669.
General Notes: From Elizabeth Dayrell nee Pratt's will:
Item: I give unto his daughter, Rebeccah Weld, my petticoats of cloth of gold and dressing box with all that is therein being not particularly otherwise given.
Item: I give unto his children, John, Joseph, Mathew, Rebeccah and Mary to either of them ten pounds and if that any of them shall depart this life before their legacy shall be due that then the others surviving shall equally share in that legacy.
Rebeccah married Titus Oates [150627] [MRIN: 58834] on 17 Aug 1693. Titus was born in 1649 and died in 1705 aged 56.
General Notes: Oates, Titus (1649\endash 1705), informer, was born at Oakham, Rutland, a younger son of Samuel Oates (bap. 1614, d. 1683), Baptist preacher, and his wife, Lucy (d. in or after 1697), a midwife from Hastings. His father, son of a Church of England clergyman in Norfolk, was a radical preacher in several counties, including Rutland, in the 1640s and chaplain to Colonel Pride's regiment in the 1650s. At the time of the Restoration in 1660 the family was living in Hastings and decided to rejoin the Church of England, Titus and his brother Constant being baptized at All Saints' Church, Hastings, on 20 November 1660. Titus also had an elder brother, Samuel, and two sisters, Hannah and Anne.
Early life
Domestic violence and his father's dislike of him marred Oates's early life. He was later described as a dull, unlovable child who suffered from convulsions, a runny nose, and a tendency to dribble. In 1664 he attended Merchant Taylors' School in London as a free scholar under the tuition of William Smith, whom he later accused of playing a part in the Popish Plot. Smith found Oates a dullard and, discovering that Oates had cheated him of his tuition fees, subsequently expelled him. In 1665 he attended a school at Seddlescombe, some 6 miles from Hastings, and in June 1667 he went up to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he gained a further reputation for stupidity, homosexuality, and a 'Canting Fanatical way' (Elliot, 1\endash 2). Oates transferred to St John's College in 1669, but fared no better. He left Cambridge without a degree in 1669, but having become skilled in mendacity.
Oates falsely claimed to hold a BA degree and in due course the bishop of London licensed him to preach. Oates took holy orders at Ely in May 1670 and was made vicar at Bobbing in Kent in March 1673. His coarse temper and odd lifestyle soon caused divisions with the parishioners and he was dismissed from the living, returning to Hastings, where he became curate to his father, who had obtained the living at All Saints' about 1666. At Easter 1675 Oates accused the local schoolmaster, William Parker, of sodomy with one of his pupils. Oates wanted Parker's post but the accusation was false and resulted in Oates being bound over to appear at the next sessions on a charge of perjury. He fled to London and sought refuge as a naval chaplain in 1675 on the ship Adventure bound for Tangier. It was during his visit to Tangier, Oates later claimed, that he heard the first rumours of the Popish Plot that was to make his name. However, on his return to England in 1676 Oates was expelled from the navy for homosexual practices and went to London. There he took up with his father, who had left his living in the wake of the Parker affair. In August 1676 his former tutor William Smith met Oates in the company of a Catholic actor named Matthew Medburne. Shortly afterwards Oates was arrested and returned to Hastings to await his trial for perjury, but he escaped again and went back to London, where he renewed his acquaintance with Medburne and other members of a Catholic club in Fuller's Rents. Through this acquaintance, in 1676 Oates managed to obtain the post of chaplain to the protestants in the household of a Catholic nobleman, Henry Howard, earl of Norwich and future sixth duke of Norfolk. Although much admired for his theatrical preaching, he soon lost his position. In spite of his protestant upbringing, on 3 March 1677 Oates was received into the Roman Catholic church by Father Berry, alias Hutchinson, an apparently mentally unbalanced priest.
Oates and the Catholics
There is little doubt that Oates's conversion to Roman Catholicism was insincere. He later wrote:
I myself was lulled asleep, by the allurements of the Popish Syrenes, and the bewitching sorceries of the Man of sin … But as Joseph was sold to AEgypt for the Preservation of his Brethren, so was I laid aside, by the permission of Divine providence, for the safety both of my King and country.
In reality he was probably motivated by the poverty in which he found himself, a craving for acceptance, and the potential for blackmail. Oates claimed that he soon became a prominent courier for the Jesuit order, but his conversion did little for his career and he remained unemployed. It was at this time that he was also introduced, via his father, to Dr Israel Tonge, an eccentric former clergyman and fervent anti-papist obsessed with the Jesuit menace and the author of several treatises on the subject. Oates proved ecumenical enough to sponge money from protestant as well as Catholic clergy, and willingly offered to co-author pamphlets with Tonge against the Catholics. In the role of a poverty stricken convert Oates also took to begging from the Catholic priests at Somerset House and repaid their kindness with theft: he stole some of the host, which he afterwards boasted that he used as wafers to seal his letters. In April 1677 Oates had his first good stroke of fortune in a meeting with Father Richard Strange, the provincial of the Jesuits in England, who arranged for him to attend the English Jesuit College at Valladolid in Spain. The reasons for this assistance are unclear. J. P. Kenyon speculated that Strange was also homosexual and consequently felt obliged to help Oates, but it may be that Oates, an accomplished liar, convinced Strange of his worth. By this stage in his career Oates had created a past for himself in which he was the former recipient of a rich benefice of the Church of England but had given it all up for the Church of Rome. Under the alias of Titus Ambrose or Ambrosius, Oates arrived in Bilbao in May 1677 and at the English College at Valladolid in June, where he was received by Father Manuel de Calatayud, who later noted:
I admitted him, very much against the grain though it was … Little more than a month went by, and he was in so much of a hurry to begin his mischief that I was obliged to expel him from the College. He was a curse. What I went through and suffered from that man, God alone knows.
While at Valladolid Oates met William Bedloe, his future partner in the plot. It is possible that he had known Bedloe during his time in the earl of Norwich's household. In Spain the pair were reacquainted before Bedloe stole some money from Oates and absconded for other adventures. The idea that they concocted most of the evidence of the Popish Plot at this point is unlikely, but their acquaintance was to be renewed in London in 1678.
Oates soon returned to England, claiming to have received a doctorate from the University of Salamanca. At the height of his fame he was ridiculed as the Salamanca doctor, but out of vanity he retained the spurious doctorate until the end of his life.
Oates resumed his begging lifestyle until Father Strange decided once more to indulge his odd client and arranged for him to attend the Catholic seminary at St Omer in December 1677. Oates, travelling under the name of Samson Lucy, swiftly revealed both his ignorance and unsuitability for the school; the institution found great difficulty in accommodating the 28-year-old tobacco chewing, foul-mouthed, and coarse tempered Oates. He was disliked by most of the students, one of whom 'broke a pan about his head for recreation' (State trials, 10.1110).
While at St Omer, Oates begged to be admitted to the Jesuit order and to keep him quiet was briefly sent to another Jesuit seminary, where he caused so much trouble that he was sent straight back to St Omer. His private investigations also allowed him to learn much (and invent the rest) about the order's councils in England; although his later claim that he was trusted to carry their correspondence is highly unlikely. He also claimed that he attended a significant Jesuit 'consult' in London in April but in reality he was at St Omer until June 1678, when he was in fact expelled from the seminary by the new English Jesuit provincial, Father Thomas Harcourt, alias Whitebread. In July 1678 a desperate Oates returned to London and promptly renewed his acquaintance with Israel Tonge. It was once suspected by many historians that Tonge was the prime mover of the Popish Plot evidence that followed and indeed that it was Tonge who prompted Oates. In fact Oates, the stronger character, had his own bitter need for vengeance against those who he now believed had continually slighted him and Tonge became merely a sounding board for his own crude prejudices.
Initially Oates sought only to regale Tonge with tales of his own desperate struggles with the papists and even flattered the older man into believing that Tonge was a target for Jesuit vengeance due to his writings against the Catholics. Tonge asked him to write it all down and Oates, eager to have an audience, did so. In forty-three articles or depositions Oates revealed for the first time the nature of the so-called Popish Plot. He claimed to have been informed at various times by rather garrulous, or plainly stupid, Roman Catholics of plans to murder Charles II and his brother James, duke of York (unless as a Catholic the latter agreed to the plot), by bullet or poison. A number of attempts had already been made to kill the king by would-be assassins John Grove and Thomas Pickering, whose silver bullets were continually foiled by poor guns and failing flints. Large sums of money were also to be made available for the scheme. He also had tales of potential Scottish, English, and Irish rebellions, and a Europe-wide conspiracy guaranteed to alarm any rabid anti-Catholic. He backed up his accusations with much, apparently concrete, detail about the secret comings and goings of both himself and his Catholic friends. Oates was also to claim that he had seen numerous letters detailing the plot and yet, as the duke of York later pointed out, he 'kept not so much as one for a proof' (Clarke, 1.522). Most of Oates's revelations stemmed from either his vivid imagination, with a distinct twist of bitterness against his former Catholic friends, or from the previously published accounts of real or imagined plots from the 1660s with their tales of gathering rebel armies, secret commissions, and planned assassinations. By far the most significant aspect of the revelations was Oates's tale of a secret conclave of the Jesuits held at the White Horse tavern in London on 24 April 1678, at which he claimed to have been present and where matters of treason were discussed.
At Tonge's request Oates gave him a copy of the articles and on 11 August 1678 he also furtively left another copy under the wainscot at the home of Sir Richard Barker, Tonge's former landlord and another rabid anti-papist. At this point Oates may also have attempted to sell his tale to the Jesuits in the hope of making money out of them, but he was rebuffed. Tonge was now anxious to reveal all to Charles II directly and involved his friend Christopher Kirkby, who was acquainted with the king, in the scheme. Kirkby approached Charles in St James's Park on the morning of 13 August 1678 with revelations of a popish plot. Charles promptly passed the information to his first minister, the earl of Danby, who interrogated both Kirkby and Tonge and appears to have guessed immediately that a shrewder mind than either of theirs was responsible for the information. Danby sought to discover this person's name but Tonge, believing that Danby was not taking the plot seriously was reluctant to reveal Oates as his informant. Ever full of 'projects and notions' Tonge subsequently attempted to seek other ways of bringing the plot to the notice of the public (Burnet's History, 2.156). Tonge then unsuccessfully tried to embroil Sir Joseph Williamson in the affair before being advised by some 'honourable friends' to bring Oates before the Westminster magistrate Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey to have his evidence legally sworn (I. Tonge, Journal of the plot, 1678, in Greene, 35). On 6 September 1678 Godfrey reluctantly took the Oates depositions, but seems to have guessed the false nature of the evidence. Then on 28\endash 9 September 1678 first Tonge, and then Oates, came before the privy council for investigation. Oates seized the opportunity to reveal still more of the fabricated plot, having by this time expanded his accusations to eighty-one articles. Despite the presence, and the shrewd questioning, of Charles II, Oates's lies convinced the privy council, especially when he revealed that the duchess of York's secretary Edward Coleman had handled money for the plot and had also been in correspondence with Father la Chaise, Louis XIV's confessor. Oates had, in Coleman, unluckily for the latter, hit upon one of the more likely figures for a serious Catholic plot. In accusing Coleman he may have been prompted by leading questions from Danby, or he may have heard independently something of the secretary's activities, for Coleman was a prominent Catholic eager to see the re-establishment of his church in England. Oates sought to please his audience with ever more audacious revelations, which were also, however, increasingly complex and inconsistent. The duke of York later noted with some dismay that Oates was always allowed the 'liberty … of contradicting at pleasure what he had sworne before' (Clarke, 1.521), while Sir Henry Coventry, who saw Oates give his evidence, noted that 'If he [Oates] be a liar, he is the greatest and adroitest I ever saw, and yet it is a stupendous thing to think what vast concerns are like to depend upon the evidence of one young man who hath twice changed his religion' (Ormonde MSS, new ser., 4.207). In spite of any doubts the privy council may have had they soon sent Oates speeding 'hither and thither, accompanied by soldiers, and enjoying complete power to imprison those he chose … his greatest pleasure was to be feared by everyone and to harm as many as possible' (Walner, 1.202). The Jesuit fathers William Ireland and John Fenwick were arrested. Thomas Pickering, a Benedictine lay brother, and John Grove were also caught up in Oates's net. The Jesuit William Harcourt, who was ill, was left in his lodgings with a guard at the door. Oates was given lodgings in Whitehall and an initial pension of £40 per month. The seizure of Coleman's papers appeared to confirm some of Oates's tale and, although he did not even recognize Coleman when he appeared before the council, he grew bolder. Further apparent confirmation of the reality of the plot followed with the mysterious death of Edmund Godfrey in October 1678 and the actions of the House of Commons, when, in the same month, they tried to take over the investigation of the plot and turned it into a real crisis.
Oates and the Popish Plot trials
Oates was summoned before the House of Commons in October 1678 and subsequently made further appearances. He impressed the house with the apparent solidity of his stories and his confident delivery. A mixture of boldness and bluster he always tried to mix some elements of the truth, however tenuous and convoluted, into his statements and when in doubt would construct yet another lie. With his flexible memory new revelations from Oates could never be ruled out and he increasingly struck out against those who had antagonized him in the past. In case such men were thought too insignificant to organize any plot he also added the names of the so-called five Popish lords as the main conspirators: Bellasis, Petre, Powis, Stafford, and Arundel. As a result he received the thanks of parliament for his pains in discovering the plot. The duke of York noted that Oates 'did not positively accuse any Lord, till he had been before the Commons, and that he saw how they relished it; nor did he till then, give them their different implyements, which how fit they were for, all the world might judge' (Clarke, 1.521). In any event such matters convinced an audience already primed to believe such tales through decades of anti-Catholic propaganda. Serious investigations into the plot soon revealed the obvious contradictions in Oates's tales, and many later commentators challenged Oates to 'Tell us how all this heterogeneous Medley can be reconciled to common sense … all those hidden incongruities, Absurdities, Amusements, and Contradictions, that have composed your Testimony, in which you have over and over again been buffoon'd'. His apparent openness about having been a sinner, moreover, and his claim that he had repented, as well as his continued, though unwarranted, use of clerical dress, gave him dignity. Oates depicted himself as a man who had seen the light and braved many dangers to save the nation. His initial grasp of very complex and detailed evidence was also impressive. Indeed, so complex did the story become that it was soon necessary to print collated versions to give the public at least some understanding of the threats involved.
The arrival of William Bedloe on the scene in November 1678, eager to add his own evidence about the plot, meant that Oates had to adjust his story somewhat, but this rivalry did not prevent him joining Bedloe in an attempt to implicate the queen in the plot that same month. This was going too far for some in the government and for a short while Oates was confined to his lodgings and his papers seized. Oates had a tense relationship with other important informers. Bedloe, for a time, somewhat stole his glory, although Tonge and Kirkby were swiftly ignored, while Miles Prance was merely described as a 'blockhead' (W. Smith, Contrivances of the fanatical Conspirators in Carrying on their Treasons under the Umbrage of the Popish Plot, Laid Open, 1685, 25). The trial of Edward Coleman on 27 November 1678 saw Oates make his first attempt as a chief witness in a legal setting. This first trial set a precedent for the others in that during the course of the proceedings flimsy evidence was accepted as certain fact. Oates remained vague on the details, and apparently made up his story as he went along, weaving in new material with the old.
In the trials of Grove, Pickering, and Ireland on 17 December 1678, Oates's evidence was on more stable ground, as many of those involved could not deny knowing him and printed versions of his story were now available for him to use as a crib.
Although Oates was given helpful judges and many other prompts his perjuries often became obvious in court. Evidence was given to show that he was in St Omer in April 1678 and therefore could not have attended any secret Jesuit consult in London on 24 April, let alone have seen Father Ireland there, as he claimed. Oates often sought refuge in stories of poor light, or his failing eyesight, or his selective memory, thus enabling him to claim blithely that he did not recognize people. If this failed then he turned to headaches and became unwell. The inherent problems with Oates's evidence were ignored by a legal system all too obviously keen to convict these men and they were executed on 3 February 1679. In April 1679 Oates's sixty-eight-page version of the plot was officially published by order of the House of Lords. He appeared as a witness in more trials in June, including that of the Catholic lawyer, Richard Langhorne. All of the accused were convicted and executed. In the trial of the queen's physician, Sir George Wakeman, in July 1679, however, he overreached himself in his evidence and the judge, Lord Chief Justice Scroggs, disparaged him. Both Oates and Bedloe attempted revenge by presenting articles implicating Scroggs in the plot to the privy council in January 1680 but failed utterly when Scroggs ably defended himself. At Viscount Stafford's trial on 30 November in the same year Oates resorted to stating that he needed to give his evidence 'to his own method and be uninterrupted', however, 'he spoke positively … with many shrewd circumstances, nor could any cross-questions discompose him' (Ormonde MSS, new ser., 5, 1908, 513).
The collapse of the plot
Oates at the height of his career had been responsible in one way or another for the deaths of some thirty-five men. By 1681 however the tide had begun to turn against him and he lost several cases of libel against those who attacked his opinions or person. One hostile contemporary gave a description of him at this time suggesting a most repulsive appearance:
[his] off leg behind is somewhat shorter than the other … his face a Rainbow colour, and the rest of his body black: Two slouching ears … His mouth is in the middle of his face, exactly between the upper part of his forehead and the lower part of his chin; He hath a short neck … a thin Chin, and somewhat sharp.
A Hue and Cry
By 1682 Oates's pension had been reduced and he was forced to take refuge in the City. With the plot in collapse by 1683 many of the informers now suffered the consequences of their actions. William Bedloe had died in 1680, as had Israel Tonge, but others were available for punishment. Titus Oates was finally arrested at the Amsterdam coffee house on 10 May 1684 on a charge of scandalum magnatum after a suit by the duke of York, whom Oates had called a traitor. Fined £100,000 after refusing to plead Oates was placed in the Compter in default of payment and was later moved to the king's bench prison. In October and December 1684 he was presented on charges of perjury. The trial was delayed by the death of Charles II on 6 February 1685 but finally took place on 8\endash 9 May 1685. His 'behaviour during the trial was very confident: many hott words pass'd between the chief justice [Jeffries] and him' (Luttrell, 1.342). Oates was convicted on two counts: that he had falsely sworn on 8\endash 12 August 1678 to a 'consult' of Jesuits at the White Horse tavern and that he had also falsely sworn to the presence of William Ireland in London on the same dates. A week later he was sentenced. He was to be imprisoned for life, divested of his canonical garb for ever and brought to Westminster Hall with a paper on his head with the inscription: 'Titus Oates convicted upon full evidence of two horrid perjuries' (ibid., 343). He was also placed in the pillory in Palace Yard, Westminster, on 19 May and was roundly pelted with eggs and other rubbish. This part of the sentence was to be repeated five times every year of his life in different parts of London. As part of the first round of his punishment, on 20 May Oates was led at the cart's tail and whipped from Aldgate to Newgate 'with hideous bellowings, and [he] swooned several times with the greatness of the anguish' (L. Echard, History of England, 3 vols., 3rd edn, 1720, vol. 3, p. 1054). On 22 May he was whipped again from Newgate to Tyburn. Oates later claimed that he had 'suffer'd some thousands of stripes' (W. H. Hart, Petitions of Dr Titus Oates, N&Q, 2nd ser., 2, 1856, 282). He had survived this torture only through the care of his surgeon and in spite of further cruelties by his gaolers who, while he was still weak, got into his cell and pulled the bandages from his back. He had also been placed in 'the Hole or Dungeon of the sd prison' loaded down with irons, despite his gout, and had apparently become subject to convulsions. Oates was lodged in the king's bench and remained there for three years. Rumours of his death were given out in 1688, but in fact the revolution of that year temporarily revived his fortunes.
Last years
After the flight of James II and the revolution Oates was released from prison in December 1688. He then sought succour from several 'Noblemen and Gentlemen, Citizens and others … for his support and maintenance' (W. H. Hart, Petitions of Dr Titus Oates, N&Q, 2nd ser., 2, 1856, 282). He also sought reinstatement as the idol of the public and saviour of the nation. He stated his grievances in various petitions to the House of Lords but, impatient at delays, he also petitioned the Commons. He then fell foul of the House of Lords for breach of privilege and was soon back in gaol.
On 30 May 1689 he once more came before the Lords but refused, out of conscience he said, to give up his claim to hold the degree of doctor of divinity from Salamanca and was sent back to the king's bench prison. His case made little progress, becoming caught up in the post-revolution rivalry between the houses. His obstreperous and unpleasant character also hindered his cause, and when eventually released in August 1689 he remained a convicted perjurer. Despite this William III ordered £40 a month to be paid to Oates out of secret service funds, which sum Oates was said to have thought rather mean spirited. This pension lasted from 1689 to 1692 and was then retrenched.
In these later years Oates moved into a house in Axe Yard, Westminster, and sought to promote himself mainly through writing pamphlets retelling the story of the plot. He took care to condemn both Charles II, now safely dead, as a papist, and James II. He also stressed his own courage as a martyr in the face of adversity. His new bogey was a Franco-Jacobite plot and he took to associating with whigs such as Aaron Smith, John Arnold, John Tutchin, and also the former government agent, William Fuller. Fuller, no novice at spying, lodged with Oates and under his tutelage claimed knowledge of a Jacobite plot, but was later discredited. Oates seems to have acted as mentor to a number of zealous anti-Catholic individuals who frequently met at his house.
As a result of his involvement with Fuller, and his furious anti-Jacobite writings, Oates's pension was cut and to save his finances he married Rebecca (b. 1669/70, d. in or after 1705), daughter of John Weld, a wealthy London draper, on 17 August 1693 at St Mary Magdalen, Old Fish Street, amid much satirical comment and in spite of the strong rumours that Oates was homosexual. One of the milder satires against him claimed that he married only because he had been 'touched in [his] conscience for some juvenile gambols that shall be nameless … and made a vow to sow his wild oats, and not hide the talent which God had plentifully given him in an Italian napkin' (Brown, 2\endash 3). Rebecca was a 'young gentlewoman in the citty, worth 2000 l' (Luttrell, 3.165). The couple had one child, baptized Rebecca on 3 October 1700. According to rumour Oates also had an illegitimate son by another woman in the king's bench prison in 1688.
Although in September 1693 Oates's new wife was received at court and kissed the queen's hand, he allegedly ran through his wife's fortune in less than six months and in May 1694 claimed that he had few clothes left to wear and 'not one shilling to buy my poor wife and family bread. I am in debt 508 l, and must the latter end of this month go to prison and there starve' (Downshire MSS, 1.661). He received a gift of £100 in July 1694, but by December 1697 he was once more claiming poverty and that 'He had a poor aged mother to maintain, and his wife and family will be turn'd out of doors, and [he would] perish in Prison' (W. H. Hart, Petitions of Dr Titus Oates, N&Q, 2nd ser., 2, 1856, 282). He asked for a payment of his arrears and received a restoration of his pension to £300 per annum and £1000 to pay his debts.
In June 1696 Oates had decided to alter his religion once more and return to the Baptist church of his father. Lengthy negotiations with elders of the congregation which met in Virginia Street finally led to his admission into the church in summer 1698, with the generous concession that he could continue to wear his Church of England clerical robes. He took to preaching before his brethren and, with his morbid tales of Catholic abominations, proved popular. Unfortunately he fell out with the congregation in October 1699 over arrangements for the funeral of Hester Parker, a rich widow. Mrs Parker had heartily disliked Oates and consequently he was not invited to the funeral nor asked to preach the funeral sermon. On the day of the sermon, however, Oates prevented it from taking place by suddenly occupying the pulpit and preaching on an entirely unrelated topic, while the congregation's bewilderment turned to anger. This farcical situation, so typical of Oates, was compounded when he encouraged Mrs Parker's husband to contest her will, which had left most of her estate to two members of the congregation. Eventually he caused so much trouble that he was expelled from the sect in November 1701. Trouble continued to dog Oates's later career. In June 1702, while visiting the court of requests, he was confronted by the printer Eleanor James, who had been affronted at hearing him criticize the Church of England, and making 'scandalous and reflecting Expressions' about Charles II and God, while wearing his usual canonical robes (An account of the proceedings against Dr Titus Oates, Scarce and Valuable Tracts … Lord Somers, 4.420\endash 22). Oates, whose violence was never far below the surface, lost his temper and struck her with his cane. He was indicted at the Westminster quarter sessions on 2 July 1702. Claiming poverty he was fined 6 marks and dismissed, but 'not without a severe check for acting so irreverently and unbecoming his profession'. After this incident little is known about Oates's final years. He appears to have died in obscurity, largely unnoticed by most commentators, at Axe Yard on 13 July 1705. His widow was granted administration of his estate on 16 August 1705.
Conclusion
Oates remains an unusual figure in British history and there are a number of explanations for both his personality and career. Early writers were repelled as much by his homosexuality as by his personality. Moreover, his unusual appearance and his abrasive manner meant that he could scarcely be ignored. With his limp, red face, bull neck, nasal drawl, and harsh and brassy voice he proved a raucous and difficult personality. Roger North noted that Oates's 'common conversation was larded with lewd oaths, Blasphemy, saucy atheistical, and in every way offensive discourse' (R. North, Examen, or, An Enquiry into the Credit and Merits of Pretended Complete History, 1740, 224). Oates's actions have usually been explained as a psychotic's revenge but, given the hostility and rejection which he encountered almost constantly, could equally well be seen as, in part at least, a desire for acceptance and respectability. Oates remained a fantasist: a man who saw himself in the role of the saviour of the nation, fighting demon popes and Jesuits. In his writings he often depicted himself as a man of action, daring to say or do what others would not. He was the secret hero who, despite his outward appearance, managed to infiltrate a most dangerous conspiracy. For a time Oates succeeded beyond his dreams and was genuinely honoured as the saviour of the nation, but the sordid reality of his life in which there were no great secrets to uncover, only back alley meetings, stealing, begging, and poverty, vice, fear, and hatred, and above all failure, soon caught up with him.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 70 F i. Rebecca Oates [20040] was baptised on 3 Oct 1700.
61. Mathew Weld [150604] (John5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
General Notes: From Elizabeth Dayrell nee Pratt's will:
Item: I give unto his son, Mathew Weld, my silver sugar dish.
The silver sugar dish given herein to Mathew Weld was given for him to his father before the sealing hereof so that no other is to be given him by my executor.
Item: I give unto his children, John, Joseph, Mathew, Rebeccah and Mary to either of them ten pounds and if that any of them shall depart this life before their legacy shall be due that then the others surviving shall equally share in that legacy.
62. John Weld [150605] (John5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
General Notes: From Elizabeth Dayrell nee Pratt's will:
Item: I give unto his children, John, Joseph, Mathew, Rebeccah and Mary to either of them ten pounds and if that any of them shall depart this life before their legacy shall be due that then the others surviving shall equally share in that legacy.
63. Joseph Weld [150606] (John5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
General Notes: From Elizabeth Dayrell nee Pratt's will:
Item: I give unto his children, John, Joseph, Mathew, Rebeccah and Mary to either of them ten pounds and if that any of them shall depart this life before their legacy shall be due that then the others surviving shall equally share in that legacy.
64. Mary Weld [150607] (John5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
General Notes: From Elizabeth Dayrell nee Pratt's will:
Item: I give unto his children, John, Joseph, Mathew, Rebeccah and Mary to either of them ten pounds and if that any of them shall depart this life before their legacy shall be due that then the others surviving shall equally share in that legacy.
65. Wickstead Weld [150591] (Wickstead5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was born on 24 Jun 1654 in Landbeach, Cambridgeshire and died in 1723 aged 69.
General Notes: From Elizabeth Dayrell nee Wickstead's will:
Item: I give unto his son, Wickstead Weld, five pounds for mourning.
Oct 1695
Wickstead Weld, b., & Ailice Vincent, s.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Fordham, Cambridgeshire.
Wickstead married someone.
+ 71 M i. Wickstead Weld [19813] .
66. Mary Weld [150592] (Wickstead5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
Mary married Thomas Taylor [150594] [MRIN: 58824]. Another name for Thomas was William.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Great Fakenham, Suffolk.
67. Ann Weld [150593] (Wickstead5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1) died before 1700.
Ann married Hugh Horton [150595] [MRIN: 58825].
The child from this marriage was:
+ 72 M i. Alexander Horton [150596] .
68. John Brewster [150611] (Elizabeth Brewster5, Anne Weld4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
Noted events in his life were:
• He worked as an Apprentice attorney in 1652.
69. Mary Starkey [150618] (Mary Weld5, Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was born on 8 Oct 1689 and died on 17 Aug 1713 aged 23.
Mary married John Jermy [150619] [MRIN: 58831], son of John Jermy [17028] and Jane Chare [17029]. John was born in 1675 and died on 24 Oct 1734 aged 59.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Bayfield, Norfolk.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 73 M i. William Jermy [150620] was born in 1713, died on 21 Jan 1752 aged 39, and was buried in Aylsham, Norfolk.
Seventh Generation (4th Great-Grandchildren)
70. Rebecca Oates [20040] (Rebeccah Weld6, John5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was baptised on 3 Oct 1700.
71. Wickstead Weld [19813] (Wickstead6, Wickstead5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Fordham, Cambridgeshire.
Wickstead married Dorothy Sparke [19814] [MRIN: 58849] in 1722.
72. Alexander Horton [150596] (Ann Weld6, Wickstead5, Matthew4, Matthew3, John2, John1).
73. William Jermy [150620] (Mary Starkey6, Mary Weld5, Gascoigne4, Matthew3, John2, John1) was born in 1713, died on 21 Jan 1752 aged 39, and was buried in Aylsham, Norfolk.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Gissing, Norfolk.
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